Borj Neffara

The Borj Neffara, or 'Tower of the Trumpeters', is a historic observation tower located near the Qarawiyyin Mosque in the old city of Fes, Morocco. Constructed in the mid-14th century under the Marinid sultan Abu Inan, this unique structure served as a platform for astronomical observations to determine prayer times and the Islamic lunar calendar, particularly for marking the beginning of Ramadan. Unlike typical minarets, Borj Neffara lacks a lantern structure at its top and is part of the Dar al-Muwaqqit, which includes a two-story house for the timekeeper. The tower also functioned as a fire lookout and is famously associated with trumpeters who would signal the dawn during Ramadan, making it a significant cultural landmark for both tourists and researchers interested in Islamic history and architecture.