Borj Sud: The Saadian South Tower of Fes

Borj Sud is a fort in the city of Fez, Morocco. It was established around 1582 by the Saadian dynasty and was likely modeled after Portuguese forts of the time. The fort is located on the hills overlooking the old city from the south, across the valley from its sister fort, Borj Nord, which sits on the hills to the north.

Built by the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansour, the fort was one of several constructed to keep the restless population of Fes el-Bali under control and to defend the city from external attacks. The forts were built in commanding positions overlooking the city, from which their cannons could easily bombard the city if desired. The Saadians built Borj Nord, Borj Sud, and three bastions along the south and east walls of Fes el-Jdid to emulate Portuguese military architecture.

Construction of these fortifications was likely helped by the labor and expertise of European prisoners captured in the famous Battle of the Three Kings in 1578. These are the first and arguably only fortresses in Fez designed for the new age of gunpowder. Today, Borj Sud serves as a prime lookout point over the old city.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons