Fez, Morocco – the annual pilgrimage,⁣ known as Ziarra, to the mausoleum of Cheikh‌ Ahmad al-Tijânî in‍ Fez is experiencing a surge in ⁤popularity among Senegalese Muslims, extending beyond the customary Sufi brotherhoods. This growing devotion, as reported by Senegalese daily The Sun, signals a deepening of spiritual ​ties⁤ between Senegal and Morocco.

Historically reserved for a religious elite, the practice of Ziarra ⁣began to democratize in⁣ the 1980s, with a marked increase in participation since 2012. this expansion is fueled by improved air travel connections between Dakar and Morocco and the ⁢rise⁤ of spiritual tourism, according to The Sun.

Senegalese travel agencies are now ⁢catering to this demand, offering organized week-long tours specifically timed to coincide with meaningful religious celebrations like Maouloud and gamou. This demonstrates a clear ⁢commercial ‍response to the growing spiritual need.

The tradition of ziarra dates back to 1922 and became‌ formally institutionalized after World War II. A pivotal moment in solidifying this connection was the⁢ late King Mohammed V’s provision ‌of the Dar Kettani residence for Senegalese ⁢pilgrims – a gesture that underscored the long-standing and profound spiritual⁣ relationship between ‍the two‍ nations.

“Beyond devotion, Ziarra translates the vitality of ‌secular spiritual diplomacy, inherited from the ⁣Almoravids and consolidated by figures like El Hadj Malick sy or ​Cheikh Ibrahim niass.” – Mouhamed El Moctar Dièye, ‌Islamic Institute of Dakar

The⁢ ongoing ⁣collaboration extends to academic spheres, with Senegalese scholars receiving education at the prestigious Al Quaraouiyine University. Participation in Dourous Hassaniya and the establishment of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulemas further exemplify this cooperative⁢ spirit. The Ziarra ⁣to Fez, thus, remains a powerful symbol of this enduring partnership.