Curious about the story behind its name? The Al-Hamra Mosque stands before us. It is also known as the Red Mosque. This mosque is a significant landmark in Fes el-Jdid. Fes el-Jdid is the palace-city founded by the Marinid rulers.
The name Al-Hamra Mosque sparks debate. Al-Hamra means either Red Mosque or Mosque of the Red One. Some believe it refers to a red minaret. Others suggest a red woman. The word Hamra is grammatically feminine.
Legends tell different tales. One attributes the mosque to a Red Sultan. Another credits a red woman from the Banu Marin clan. She dedicated her fortune to its construction. If the legend is true, it might also be called Jama Lalla Hamra. That means Mosque of the Red Woman.
The Al-Hamra Mosque likely dates back to the 14th century. It was built during the Marinid period. However there is no foundation inscription. Historians have suggested various dates. Roger Le Tourneau suggested the late 13th or early 14th century. Georges Marçais proposed between 1331 and 1348. Richard Parker gives the date as 1339.
Architecturally, the Al-Hamra Mosque mirrors other Marinid mosques. It features a rectangular floor plan. A courtyard is bordered by arcaded galleries. The main prayer hall is on the south side.
Look at the minaret. It overlooks the main street. Typical Moroccan motifs adorn its facades. You will see variations of the sebka pattern. Inside, a long staircase winds around the tower. It leads to a platform at the top.
Imagine the courtyard as it once was. A central fountain provided water. A wall fountain offered ablutions. Intricate zellij mosaic tilework decorated the area. Also notice the sundial. It sits on a pillar of the northern arcade.
Across the street are other structures. These include an ablutions house, a hammam, and shops. It is unclear if these were part of the original design. More studies are needed to confirm this.
Inside the prayer hall, rows of Moorish arches define the space. They run perpendicular to the qibla wall. The qibla wall is the one facing Mecca. A transverse nave sits in front of the mihrab. The mihrab is a niche in the qibla wall. Moroccan berchla-style ceilings feature geometric motifs. These date back to the original Marinid construction.
The space before the mihrab is special. Stucco carvings decorate the surfaces. A wooden dome displays geometric star patterns. Muqarnas carvings transition the dome to the square space below. The mihrab itself features a muqarnas cupola. Stucco-carved decoration surrounds it. This decoration still dates from the Marinid period.
The minaret has a square base. It measures 4.5 meters per side. The main shaft reaches 19.2 meters. A smaller tower sits above it. It is topped with a dome and a metal finial. The facades display Moroccan motifs. Each motif varies slightly. The bottom of each facade features blind arches. Zellij tilework fills these arches. A band of zellij tilework crowns the main tower. Decorative merlons are also covered in tilework.
The Red Mosque stands as a testament to Fes’s rich history. Its architecture and legends offer a glimpse into Morocco’s past. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history.