Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani

The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani, Zawiya Tijaniya Al Koubra (االزاوية التيجانية الكبرى) is a Sufi zawiya, an Islamic religious complex building for education and commemoration, in Fez, Morocco. The building is located in Fes el Bali, the old medina quarter of the city. More specifically, it is situated in the Al-Blida neighborhood, close to the University of Al Quaraouiyine. It is dedicated to the founder of the Tijaniyyah order from the 18th century, Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani who is buried in the site, which is a pilgrimage site for followers of the order during the period of Mawlid al-Nabi from all over the world, including Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Senegal. It is one of several other zawiyas dedicated to al-Tijani. The complex is distinguishable from highly ornamented facades facing the street, and a minaret in turquoise color.

Since 2007, the zawiya has periodically hosted an international forum for the Tijaniyya order, which in 2014 included Sufis affiliated with the order from 47 countries.

History
Before the construction of the zawiya, Abu al-Abbas al-Tijani used his house in the city of Fez as a space for worship and remembrance along with his followers. He decided to build the zawiya in 1800 and bought a ruined, abandoned house, where the madmen used to gather for remembrance, in the Huma al-Dardas neighborhood, with a large vine in its center, which is the tree under which he would later be buried. Some of his opponents protested the construction process and took the matter to Sultan Moulay Slimane, who did not accept their grievances and approved the process, even contributing financially to the construction of the zawiya.

The construction was initiated by al-Tijani. He and his companions looked for the suitable place for building their institution in Fez and visited several mosques for considerations. Eventually, they picked the spot in the Al-Blida neighborhood, back then known as Al-Dardas. There was already a zawiya built in the place by a man known as Sidi al-Lahbi. Al-Tijani purchased the land by his own money which was considered halal. He also received the financial support by Moulay Slimane. After Al-Tijani's death he was buried in the site. The zawiya was not allowed for stranger to visit as they required trust of members of the community. It also explicitly prohibits the burial of any other persons. The companions had bought a marble and inscribed the quote by Al-Tijani on it, which reportedly said anybody who’s buried in the site will go to hell. The marble is located in the center arena in front of the old entrance.

The construction process began in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal in 1800, and the zawiya in its initial form consisted of two spaces: the first housing the mausoleum extending to the current minaret, and the second extending to Bab al-Jiyad. The zawiya would later extend to the Laranga Mosque on one side and to Darb Janiara on the other, with 8 doors being added. Tijani followers claim that Abu al-Abbas al-Tijani had predicted this expansion during his lifetime.

Due to the status and spiritual and political importance of the zawiya, the sultans of Morocco took care of it after the death of Abu al-Abbas al-Tijani in 1815, including expansions and additions to the courtyard, decorating the mausoleum and minaret with green tiles, and inscriptions containing verses of prophetic praise.

The building was renovated several times, with varying levels of additions to its feature. In 1881, a new mihrab was added. In 1895, a new saqayya (Arabic public fountain) and entrance gate were built. In 1901 some new decorations and inscriptions were added to the wall in front of the tomb. In 1903, a place for ziyarat was built.

Visitors
In order to visit the zawiya (usually for a ziyarat), it is required to contact the members of Tijaniyya tariqa which will eventually be notified to the supervisor of the institution. Once the contact is made, visitors will meet the members in front of the zawiya and required to recite some verses to honor the Sheikh before entrance.