Fes el Bali is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Within the walls of the medina are 9400 pedestrian alleyways and blind turns bejeweled with hidden souqs, shops, mosques and madrasas. Fes has long been spoken of as the center of Islamic Orthodoxy. The madrasas, theological schools, of Fes, are home to the greatest scholars in the country, and have been the most highly esteemed in Morocco. As a residential place of learning, students can immerse themselves in studies of religion, culture, science and Islamic arts. Es Sahrij Madrasa was built in 1321. The cedar carvings seen here are richly executed window surrounds for the student’s sleeping quarters. One can listen to the chanting of Koranic verses from the quarter’s windows overlooking the central patio.