Zawiya en-Noussak

The zawiya was built under the Marinid sultan Abu Inan in 1356.[1][2][3] Like other zawiyas, this building was probably occupied by Sufi students, led by a sheikh, who prayed and studied the Qur'an together.[1] The zawiya's name means "Zawiya of the Ascetics".[2]

The only well-preserved part of the building is its ornate entrance portal of carved stone.[1] The corbels at the top corners may have once Only vestiges remain of the rest of the original building, which was made of pisé.[2] Behind the entrance was a vestibule leading to the main courtyard. From the vestibule were also passages that led to a mida'a (Arabic: ميضأة‎; "ablutions facility") to the north and living quarters to the south that likely belonged to the sheikh of the institution.[1] The main courtyard was centered by a large rectangular water basin and surrounded by galleries that led to other rooms, possibly used for teaching and meetings.[1][2] The living quarters of the students were likely located on an upper floor which no longer exists.[1]

The building's layout bears many resemblances to the earlier zawiya that Abu Inan built at Chellah, not far from here, suggesting that it the latter may have served as a model for this one.[1][2] Likewise, the stone-carved motifs on the gateway of this zawiya have parallels with those of the main gate of Chellah.[2]

Today, the building stands near a modern hospital. In the late 20th century it was used as a private residence.[2]