In this video, we introduce you Fez, Morocco sometimes written as Fes, Morocco was the capital of the country until 1925 and has long been considered the spiritual home of the country. The Fez medina is one of the largest car-free zones in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its been dwarfed in recent years by larger and more tourist-oriented Marrakech but offers visitors a different look at Moroccan life. History of Fez Where is Fez? Modern day Fez was founded in 789 by Idriss I on the Jawhar River that runs through the city. It is in the north of the country sandwiched between the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas Mountains. Within 50 years there were two large waves of immigrants that came to form settlements, one on each side of the river.

In this video, we introduce you Fez, Morocco sometimes written as Fes, Morocco was the capital of the country until 1925 and has long been considered the spiritual home of the country. The Fez medina is one of the largest car-free zones in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its been dwarfed in recent years by larger and more tourist-oriented Marrakech but offers visitors a different look at Moroccan life. History of Fez Where is Fez? Modern day Fez was founded in 789 by Idriss I on the Jawhar River that runs through the city. It is in the north of the country sandwiched between the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas Mountains. Within 50 years there were two large waves of immigrants that came to form settlements, one on each side of the river. 800 families from Andalusia arrived and settled what is today “Old Fez” while 2000 families banned from Kariouan Tunisia formed New Fez or al-Aliya. This would later become an issue as the Caliphate of Cordoba and Caliphate of Tunisia contested who ruled the city. By 1070 it was resolved as the Almoravid dynasty united the city both figuratively and literally as they broke down the walls that divided the settlements and united it into one medina. The Growth of Fez From 1170-1180 Fez grew to become one of the largest cities in the world and the city walls that were put up during this time still form the outline of Fez el Bali today. From 1271 to 1357 huge strides were made especially in education as seven madrasas (schools) were built in Fez and it became a center of Islamic education. Many people visit Fez to see the Jewish Quarter. The mellah was built in 1438 near the royal palace and exists today. Other dynasties would follow; the Marinid, Wattasid, Saadians and nearly the Ottoman Empire. From 1649 Fez was an important trading post on the Barbary Coast and was the only source of “fezzes” the signature red, tasseled hats until the 19th century. The red color comes from a berry that grows outside the city. In 1790 it became independent and by 1795 control returned to the kingdom of Morocco where it was the capital until 1925. It was the 1912 Treaty of Fez that made Morocco a protectorate under French control. In the 20th century a new area of Fez grew out of the French protectorate, the Ville Nouvelle. In 1981 UNESCO designated the medina of Fez as a world heritage sight and the famous World Sacred Music Festival began in 1994. Things To Do in Fez Historical Sites Take time to decide what youll want to see when youre in Fez. There are many historical sites though not all are open to the inside. The oldest degree-granting university and still in operation in the world is something to see. Even more interesting, this school and mosque was founded, funded and built by a woman Fatima al-Fihri. The mosque portion is not open to non-Muslims but there is an entryway that you can look into. Recently the library (the oldest in the world!) connected to the university was restored and is open to the public. If youve seen a picture of Fez youve no doubt seen the tannery vats. This is one of the most visited sites in the city. Youll want to brace yourself for an overwhelming smell, especially in warmer months but its a step back in time to see leather being prepared as it has for centuries. Dont feel pressured to buy leather goods here, youll have better luck negotiating a better price elsewhere. You should be prepared to offer a small amount to shopkeepers if youre brought onto their balcony and given an explanation. Some will ask, some wont so play it by ear even better to visit if youve hired a city guide for the day.

Morocco | Fes