Brief History of Fez

Fez was founded in 789 AD by Idris I, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty, and later expanded by his son Idris II in 808 AD. It quickly became a major center of religion, culture, and trade in North Africa, often referred to as the "Athens of Africa" or "Mecca of the West".

By the 13th–14th centuries, under the Marinid dynasty, Fez reached its golden age, becoming Morocco’s capital and a beacon of Islamic scholarship, art, and architecture.

The Medina of Fez (Fes el-Bali)

• Fez el-Bali is the oldest walled part of the city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• It’s one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world—a living museum of winding alleys, bustling souks, and traditional crafts.

• Walking in the Medina is like stepping back in time: every corner holds centuries of history.

Key Monuments and Sites

• Al-Qarawiyyine Mosque and University:

  Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, this is the oldest continually operating university in the world (acknowledged by UNESCO and Guinness World Records).
  It was a major center of learning in theology, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and languages—welcoming scholars of all faiths.

• Bou Inania Madrasa:

  Built in the 14th century, this theological college is known for its stunning zellij (mosaic tilework), carved cedar wood, and marble columns.

• Chouara Tannery:

  One of the oldest tanneries in the world, operating much the same way as it did in medieval times. The colorful dyeing pits are iconic.

• Dar Batha Museum:

  A former palace converted into a museum showcasing traditional Moroccan arts, including woodwork, ceramics, and carpets.

• Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate):

  The famous blue-and-green-tiled gate that serves as the grand entrance to the old Medina.

Fez as a Center of Science and Learning

• Fez, through Al-Qarawiyyine, was instrumental in preserving and advancing knowledge from the Greco-Roman world, which later influenced European Renaissance thought.

• The city produced scholars in:

  • Astronomy (e.g., development of astrolabes)

  • Mathematics

  • Medicine

  • Philosophy and theology (Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence)

Some historians argue that Fez served as a bridge between East and West, contributing to the revival of science and philosophy in Europe.

The Spiritual Soul of Fez

Fez is not just stone, mosaics, and monuments—it's a deeply spiritual city that breathes Sufism, scholarship, and sacredness:

• The city is home to countless mosques, zaouias (spiritual lodges), and shrines of saints and scholars.

• The Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez, is a spiritual heart for many Moroccans who come for blessings.

• The air in Fez often feels thick with Quranic recitations, Sufi music, and spiritual poetry.

Fez is especially known for:

• Fes Festival of World Sacred Music—bringing together spiritual music from different cultures and religions.

• An atmosphere where spiritual reflection is part of everyday life, intertwined with centuries-old traditions of hospitality and generosity.

Traditional Crafts and Art

• Zellij (geometric mosaic tile)

• Carved wood and plaster

  

• Leatherwork (the famous Fez leather)

• Brassware and pottery

  Fez is a city where craftsmanship is not just a trade but a form of art deeply rooted in spiritual values.

Map

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nBMs2Km8Ev7h1WG28