A short walk down Talaa Kebira from Bab Bou Jeloud, the Medersa Bou Inania is the finest of Fez’ theological colleges. It was built by the Merenid sultan Bou Inan between 1350 and 1357. The medersa underwent extensive restoration a few years ago, and the results are amazing: elaborate zellij and carved plaster, beautiful cedar mashrabiyyas (lattice screens) and massive brass doors.
Whereas most medersas just have a simple prayer hall, the Bou Inania is unusual in that it hosts a complete mosque, including a beautiful green-tiled minaret. The mihrab (niche facing Mecca) has a particularly fine ceiling and onyx marble columns. It’s thought that the medersa required a larger-scale mosque because there was none other nearby at the time.
