Hello everyone!
Today I'd like to take you on a tour of one of the most fascinating museums in the city of Fes: the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. I've always been intrigued by this place, as several of my friends who were born in Fes told me about it with great enthusiasm.
After hearing their stories, my curiosity grew, and I finally decided to walk through the doors. And what a surprise! As soon as I walked in, I was immediately amazed by the architectural beauty of the building, its authentic atmosphere and the elegance of the details.
The art of engraving and woodcarving is one of the oldest known and practised by mankind. Wood, as a material, was one of nature's first gifts to man. It was used to make furniture and household equipment, and was also the main material used to build houses and towns. Woodworking is thus closely linked to the carpentry trade, one of the oldest in history. Every ancient Moroccan city generally has a district dedicated to carpenters, such is the crucial role played by this activity in daily life. In the city of Fes, the carpenters' quarter is located in the heart of the old medina. This district was once home to the most skilled craftsmen, who embellished the city with works of art in wood: engraved, sculpted or painted doors, columns and furniture. These artistic creations have acquired a worldwide reputation, extending beyond the confines of this small district.
Amid the sounds of hammers and copper tools, in the narrow streets leading to the carpenters' square, stands an exceptional building, attracting attention with its distinctive ornamentation. The carved wooden and plaster door is a remarkable work of art. Today, this majestic building has become a museum dedicated to the craft of woodwork, known as the ‘Carpenters’ Museum’. As with many of the old buildings in Fes, its history is an integral part of the city's memory.
Here I am in the Museum hall. This museum is housed in a former caravanserai, built at the beginning of the 18th century, in 1711. It was originally used for commercial purposes, a function it fulfilled until the mid-twentieth century. In 1944, during the French protectorate, it was transformed into a police station. At the time, Morocco was in turmoil, with nationalists demanding independence and departure from France. This led the colonial administration to convert certain historic sites, such as this one, into detention centres.
Over the years, the building's use has changed still further. In 1955, it was converted into accommodation for the students of Al Quaraouiyine University (I'll be making a visit and a post on this historic university soon), who came from distant regions. As the number of students increased, a number of historic buildings were converted to meet their needs, including this caravanserai.
I'm about to go up to the first and second floors of the building. As I look up, I notice the staircases that lead to these two levels. The subdued light coming in through the windows highlights the walls, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. I took a few photos to capture the moment.
UNESCO has listed the old town of Fes as a World Heritage Site, recognising its importance and the need to preserve it. This international recognition was accompanied by national interest, particularly on the part of wealthy families, who supported the restoration of the historic monuments. The restoration took six years, including the building and the carpenters' quarter. Although Fes is a city rich in heritage, these monuments cannot be presented to visitors on their own. The museum plays an educational role in explaining the value of this heritage.
Today, the museum is one of the main cultural sites visited in Fes. It provides an opportunity to discover the evolution of woodworking in Morocco, thanks to a collection of works of art, such as carved wooden doors characteristic of Fes, furniture and ornamental capitals decorating old houses. These collections reflect the many uses to which wood has been put throughout the ages, and bear witness to the talent of Moroccan craftsmen.
I went all the way up to the roof, where I found a little cafe for those who want to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a Moroccan mint tea!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope that the photos I've shared have touched you and that they will inspire you to visit this exceptional place. I welcome your feedback in the comments! See you soon for new explorations and other moments to share with you!
I'm Redwan from Morocco, a country rich in history, culture and natural landscapes! I've always had a passion for travelling and discovery. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than exploring new places, whether historical, archaeological or in the heart of nature. Through my blogs, you can discover the hidden gems of Morocco, whether you want to admire the fascinating architecture of a historic site, delve into the legends surrounding an archaeological site, or simply marvel at the beauty of Moroccan nature!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
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Wow, this museum sounds incredible! I love how you described the mix of history and art, and the photos really bring the place to life. I can almost feel the vibe of the wooden carvings and that cozy rooftop café. Definitely adding this to my travel list!
Thank you so much for your kind words, @jmjourneys 😊 I'm delighted you enjoyed the description and photos! The wood carvings are really beautiful, and the rooftop cafe adds such a special charm to the experience. I hope you get the chance to visit one day, it's definitely worth it!
Hiya, @glecerioberto here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2405.
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