Zaouia, Zawiya (Arabic “corner”), zâwiya, is a Maghrebi and West African term for an Islamic religious school or monastery, roughly corresponding to the Eastern term “madrassa”. The zawiya often contains a pool, and sometimes a fountain.

The Hamadcha, Aïssawa and Gnawa Sufi orders are also very active in civic life.  Other zaouias which are linked to specific crafts and trade include the Tijâniyya, the Darqawiyya and the Qâdiriyya.

Chefchaouen has 11 zaouias and 17 mausoleums. The two most important zaouias are those of Moulay Ali Chekkor and Raisounia. The first zaouïa is marked by the tomb of Moulay Ali Chekkor who distinguished himself as a great protector of Arab-Andalusian music and religious songs.

Photographs of the Zaouias are as follows.

 

Zaouia Sidi Bouhari

 

Zaouia Aajiba

 

 

Zaouia Aissaouia Boutioui

 

Zaouia Aissaouia Mdakka

 

Zaouia Derkaoua

 

Zaouia Touhamia

 

Zaouia Alouia

 

Zaouia Tidjania

 

Zaouia Sidi Ali Chacour

 

Zaouia Derkaoua

 

Zaouia Aissaouia Haouta

 

Zaouia Naciria

 

Zaouia Raisounia

 

Miscellaneous Photographs

 

Detail of doorway into Zaouia Bouhari

 

Pathway leading to Zaouia Bouhari

 

Zaouia Naciria has been destroyed.  This is what remains behind the blue door.

 

Entry into Zouia Alouia.  Behind the curtain a women’s Quran group was being conducted.

 

Detail of doorway into Zaouia Aissaouia Haouta

 

Entry to Zaouia Aajiba

 

Detail of exterior doorway into Zaouia Bouhari

 

Detail of interior of Zaouia Bouhari