Kasbah An-Nouar

The foundation of the kasbah reportedly dates to the Almohad period when Muhmmad al-Nasir (12th century) rebuilt the fortifications of Fez.

In retaliation for this opposition and to prevent future resistance, Abd al-Mu'min ordered all the walls and fortifications of Fez to be demolished.

The decision to fortify the city at this time may also have been due to the Almohads' serious defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, which rendered the empire more vulnerable.

The Kasbah Bou Jeloud is no longer fortified today but was of notable importance for being the residence of the governor of Fez at various periods (including at the beginning of the 20th century).

The Marinids, who succeeded the Almohads in the 13th century and made Fez their capital and residence, found the existing military citadels insufficient for their own purposes.

[3] These leaders were in charge of managing the neighbourhood's services and infrastructure, which could be maintained thanks to specially reserved revenues under waqf (trust) agreements.

[3] Inside the walls, the kasbah today is a residential district packed with houses and winding alleys, much like the rest of the medina.

Just north of the entrance, near the beginning of the kasbah's main street, is a Friday mosque, flanked by a small public square (Ous'at Bab el-Jama').

Bab Chorfa, the gate and entrance of the kasbah from Place Bou Jeloud . There is a market in front of the gate on most days.
View of the kasbah from outside the walls, to the north. The second minaret from the left belongs to the mosque of the kasbah. The rectangular bastion on the far right is Bab Mahrouk , a city gate adjacent to the kasbah.