Fes: madrasas, commercial buildings and residential environment

Useful to know

Fez was founded in the 9th century, and an important phase of development was associated with the Marinids in the 13th-XIVth century. UNESCO lists madrasas, commercial buildings, mosques, residences, and fountains as parts of the historic urban environment. [1]

In an architectural reading, start with the function of the building before comparing ornaments. The educational, commercial and residential space set different requirements. Two facades with similar decoration do not prove the same purpose. The juxtaposition of entrances, courtyards and connections to the street shows more about urban life than an isolated detail of decoration.