In a comment to yesterday's post about the funding for renovation of the Sahrij and Sbaiyin Madrassas, David wrote: One shocking thing I noticed when I was there yesteday is that tourists are breaking off pieces of the original zellij mosaic from the walls to take as souvenirs. Much is missing that was there six months ago. Something needs to be done to stop this...
There have been too many recent cases of vandalism and in some cases outright theft of cultural artifacts. If you are a tourist visiting the medina of Fez, please act responsibly and if you do see incidents of theft or vandalism, please report them to the authorities. The medina is our common heritage. Let's preserve, conserve and protect it, together.
Sahrij and Sbaiyin Madrassas
Symbols of dynastic piety and power, the Sahrij and Sbaiyin Madrassas were commissioned in 1321 and 1323, respectively, by the Merinid Crown Prince Abu al-Hassan. The madrassa complex served as a boarding house where scholars lived, studied, and prayed in close proximity to the Andalous Mosque, one of the most important religious centers in the Fez Medina.
Today, the complex is plagued by mold and vegetation growth, a result of poor drainage and ground water infiltration. Frequent seismic tremors have spread floors and separated walls. Masonry columns buckle precariously into the central court of the Sahrij, destroying the veneer of decorative plaster and carved wood clinging to their surfaces. While the Sahrij still houses a few dozen scholars, the Sbaiyin is sealed to keep out squatters. Debris covers the marble floor; rusted scaffolding supports the sagging rooftop terrace. A feasibility study for the restoration of the buildings is underway. Following restoration, the Sahrij Madrassa will continue to function as a school while the Sbaiyin Madrassa will be used as an exhibition space.
Tags: Morocco, Fès, Maghreb, news
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