Fez, Morocco

Fez, Morocco
Name	Fez
Native name	فاس
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	34, 02, 36, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Morocco
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Fès-Meknès
Established title	Founded
Established date	789 CE
Founder	Idris I
Area total km2	320
Elevation m	410
Population total	1,150,131
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Western European Time
Utc offset	+0
Timezone DST	Western European Summer Time
Utc offset DST	+1
Area code	+212 (53)
Website	www.fes.ma

Fez, Morocco. Founded in 789 CE by Idris I, the city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited imperial capitals in Morocco. It served as the political and spiritual heart of the Idrisid dynasty, later flourishing under the Marinid Sultanate to become a renowned center of Islamic scholarship and Trans-Saharan trade. Today, its historic core, Fes el Bali, is a densely packed UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its preserved medieval architecture and vibrant artisanal traditions.

History

The city's foundation is intrinsically linked to the establishment of the Idrisid dynasty, the first major Islamic polity in Morocco. Under the subsequent Almoravid dynasty and Almohad Caliphate, it grew as a regional hub. Its golden age arrived under the Marinid Sultanate, which constructed the royal citadel of Fes Jdid and endowed the city with magnificent madrasas like Al-Attarine Madrasa and Bou Inania Madrasa. Fez remained a capital under the Wattasid dynasty and the early Saadi dynasty, witnessing pivotal events like the Battle of Fez (1576) and the Treaty of Fez (1912), which established the French protectorate in Morocco. The city was a focal point during the Rif War and later movements for Moroccan independence.

Geography and climate

Fez is situated in the Saïss plain, nestled between the foothills of the Middle Atlas mountains to the south and the Rif mountains to the north. The city is bisected by the Oued Fes (Fez River), which historically provided water for its famous tanneries and gardens. It experiences a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters, with occasional snowfall on nearby peaks like Jebel Zalagh.

Demographics

As the second-largest city in Morocco by population, Fez is a major urban center in the Fès-Meknès region. The population is predominantly Arab-Berber, with a historical and continuing presence of a significant Jewish community, historically centered in the Mellah. The city has also attracted internal migration from surrounding rural areas like the Middle Atlas and the Tafilalt.

Culture and landmarks

Fez is globally celebrated for its profound cultural heritage, centered on the labyrinthine Fes el Bali medina. Key landmarks include the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded by Fatima al-Fihri and considered one of the world's oldest universities, and the intricately decorated Al-Attarine Madrasa. The city is famous for its traditional crafts, such as the pungent Chouara Tannery, the production of Fez hats (tarboosh), and exquisite zellige tilework. It hosts the annual Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, attracting artists like Ravi Shankar and Youssou N'Dour.

Economy

The economy of Fez is historically rooted in traditional artisanry and commerce, with the souks of Fes el Bali selling goods like leather, pottery, and brassware. Modern industries include food processing, textile manufacturing, and tourism, supported by institutions like the Fez-Boulemane regional council. Major commercial activity occurs in the modern Ville Nouvelle district, developed during the French protectorate in Morocco.

Education

Fez is a preeminent center of learning in the Arab world, anchored by the historic University of al-Qarawiyyin. Other major institutions include the modern Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, which houses faculties for sciences, law, and arts, and the prestigious Al-Akhawayn University in nearby Ifrane. Specialized schools like the National School of Architecture and the Dar al-Mahzen library continue the city's scholarly legacy.

Transport

The city is served by the Fès–Saïs Airport, offering connections to major European hubs like Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and Frankfurt Airport. Rail links are provided by ONCF, with the Fes railway station connecting the city to Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh via the LGV Tangier–Casablanca high-speed line. Internal transport relies on a network of grand taxis, buses, and the historic gates of the medina like Bab Bou Jeloud.

Category:Capitals in Africa Category:World Heritage Sites in Morocco Category:Populated places in Fès-Meknès