Jewish Memories Stick To Ibn Danan Synagogue, Fez
The city of Fez was founded at the end of the eighth century AD by Idriss Ibn Abdullah on the right bank of the river known as the "Andalusian Quarter", and Idriss II expanded it in the year 808 AD with the establishment of the "Kairouan neighborhood" on the left bank. And since then, the city has become the cultural center in Morocco; its population has increased over time and mixed with many different races, including Jews who have become an integral part of Morocco practicing their religions with absolute freedom. Among the places of Jewish worship, we find the Synagogue of Ibn Danan, which we will discover on this tour with Things to Do in Fez’ Agency.
The beautiful Ibn Danan synagogue was built in the 17th century by a prosperous merchant from Ait-Ishaq called Maimon Bin Sedan. At the time, it was just another synagogue in Fez, and it was not particularly impressive. You can reach the temple through a door that looks just like any of the entries in the adjacent buildings, walk over the stairs, and reach the main room which is completely different from the golden age.
They did a comprehensive overhaul in 1870, but when most Jews left Morocco, after World War II and the creation of the State of Israel, that complicated matters. Fortunately, UNESCO committed to preserving the synagogue and invested in restoration work in 1999.
Visiting Ibn Danan Synagogue can be difficult. It's lucky enough to find a guard who might show you some places next to the main room, like the Mikva (festive bathtub) in the basement and the sacred things they store in safes, like the 17th century deer scrolls with the Torah.
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