Ibn Danan Synagogue

The Ibn Danan Synagogue is a historic Jewish house of worship located in the Mellah of Fez el-Jdid in Fez, Morocco. It is known for its preserved interior woodwork, carved Torah ark and an adjoining ritual bath (mikveh).

The small, inward-looking prayer hall retains antique painted and carved wood fittings and decorative elements that reflect Jewish artisanal traditions in Morocco. The name commemorates the Ibn Danan family and the building has been the subject of conservation and restoration efforts to preserve its fabric and furnishings.

The synagogue was established by the Jewish community of Fez during the early modern period and served that community for centuries before the dramatic demographic changes of the 20th century. Since restoration work it has been accessible to researchers and visitors as a cultural and religious heritage site.

The building stands in the Mellah district of Fez el-Jdid, close to the historic administrative core of the old city and within walking distance of other heritage sites in Fez.

• Significance: Constructed in the historic Mellah (Jewish quarter) of Fes el-Jdid, it is one of the best-preserved pre-20th-century synagogues in Morocco.
• Interior highlights: The interior contains original woodwork, a distinctive Torah ark and an adjacent ritual bath that are of particular interest to visitors.

What to See #

• Main prayer hall: The synagogue's main prayer hall preserves carved wooden Torah ark panels, painted ceilings and original fittings typical of medieval Moroccan Jewish craftsmanship.
• Mikveh: A preserved underground ritual bath that served the community and is part of the synagogue complex's layout and liturgical facilities.