Dar al-Sultan
Tlemcen, Algeria

Below the tomb of Sidi Bu Madyan, at the lowest point of the complex, are the remains of a small palace that probably date to the same period as the mosque and madrasa, the "Dar al-Soltan," so named because it is believed to have been where the Sultan stayed during visits to 'Ubbad.  The palace, as described and illustrated by William and George Marçias, was not large, but featured at least two partially covered patios, arcades, water that flowed into and out of latrines and washbasins through walls and underground, and numerous rooms.[1]  Though the palace was abandoned after the fall of the Marinid dynasty and is in ruins, some of the fine decoration is still visible today.[2]

Notes:
[1] Marçias, 266-269
[2] Nomination to the World Heritage List.  p .4

Sources: 

Marçais, W., and Georges Marçais. Les monuments arabes de Tlemcen. ouvrage publié sous les auspices du Gouvernement général de l'Algérie. Paris: A. Fontemoing, 1903.

Ross, Eric, academic"The zâwiya of Sidi Boumédiène in ‘Ubbâd, Algeria." March 15, 2011. Accessed June 25, 2014. http://ericrossacademic.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/the-zawiya-of-sidi-boumediene-in-ubbad-algeria/ Last accessed June 26,2014.

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Sidi Bou Mediène (Sidi bu-Medina). Nomination to the World Heritage List. Submitted by Algeria. December 31, 1981. Original in French.  http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0004/000492/049287Eb.pdf


Location

Rue Ibn Khaldoun, Tlemcen, Algeria

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Associated Names

Part of Site

Events

ca. 1340/741 AH

Style Periods

1196-1465

Variant Names

Dar es-Soltân
Alternate transliteration
'Ubbâd Palace
Alternate

Site Types

palatial

Materials/Techniques

Keywords