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