Peace within the ancient medina

We awoke early to the beautiful sounds of adhan, the haunting call to prayer that sings out first thing and then again throughout the day. We decided to explore the medina first thing, mostly still shuttered, slow to come to life. 

The medina mid-day is an exciting place with a symphony of sounds and smells, bright colors and crowds of people going about their day. But early it was quiet and we were able to ramble through the maze of madrasas, fondouks, souks and masjids at a much slower pace, taking it all in without hurry. Roaming the walled walkways, we came upon an open door, the morning sunlight streaming in on men bent in morning prayer, welcoming the day. There was a peace and quiet that had settled over the ancient medina. It was one of my favorite moments of the trip.

In one corner is a mosque, al-Quarawiyyin, was founded by a well-educated woman, Fatima al-Fihri, in the 9th century and remains one of Morocco’s religious centers. Its associated university, which is also still operating, was established at the same time by the same woman and is thought by many to be the oldest in the world.