- Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
The Zaouia Moulay Idriss II in
Fes ,Morocco , is a "zaouia " (shrine) dedicated to and tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fes for the second time in 810. [Fes." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. 3 Mar. 2007]In the year 1308, almost five centuries since the death of Moulay Idriss II, an uncorrupted body was found on the spot. People believed this was Moulay Idriss II and founded the Zaouia. Over the centuries, the building was amended heavily, and almost completely replaced in the 18th century by Moulay Ismail in a style typical of the Alaouites that govern Morocco to this day. [Archnet.org [http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2563] ]
Moulay Idriss II is the patron saint of the city of Fes, and it is believed that visiting his zaouia is beneficial for strangers visiting the city, boys before being circumcized and women wanting to facilitate childbirth [Rough Guide to Morocco, ISBN 978-1843538615] .
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