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| Fès-Meknès | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fès-Meknès |
| Settlement type | Region |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Morocco |
| Seat | Fes |
Fès-Meknès is one of the twelve administrative regions of Morocco created in the 2015 territorial reorganization, centered on the historic cities of Fes and Meknes. The region links the Rif Mountains, the Middle Atlas, and the plains near Rabat and Casablanca, serving as a nexus for cultural heritage sites such as the Medina of Fes, the Heri es-Souani, and the Volubilis ruins. It is significant for its role in Moroccan historical dynasties including the Idrisid dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad Caliphate, and the Alaouite dynasty.
The region spans diverse landscapes that include the Middle Atlas highlands near Ifrane, the agricultural plains bordering Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and the archaeological plateaus around Meknes. Prominent geographical features include the Sebou River, the Oued Rheraya tributaries, and the forests of Cedrus atlantica in Ifrane National Park, while climate influences derive from proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Biodiversity corridors connect habitats for species recorded by IUCN assessments and conservation efforts by organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and BirdLife International near sites such as Sidi Harazem. Geologists reference formations linked to the Atlas Mountains orogeny and paleontological sites comparable to deposits studied in North Africa.
The area contains archaeological layers from Prehistoric North Africa and Roman occupation at Volubilis, later serving as the capital under the Idrisid dynasty and a center for Islamic learning associated with the University of al-Qarawiyyin, established during the medieval era. Crusading narratives and Iberian contacts influenced regional dynamics during the Reconquista period and in interactions with the Kingdom of Portugal and the Spanish Empire. Fes later became a locus in Ottoman-era diplomacy with the Ottoman Empire and engaged with European powers such as France during the Treaty of Fez (1912), leading to the French Protectorate in Morocco and administrative reforms implemented by figures like Lyautey. The 20th century saw nationalist movements tied to the Istiqlal Party and independence under the Monarchy of Morocco, while local uprisings and modernization efforts referenced events like the Green March in national context.
The region's governance follows the Moroccan regional framework established in 2015, with a regional council presided over by a wali appointed under the authority of the Monarchy of Morocco. Administrative subdivisions include prefectures and provinces such as Fes-Boulemane, Meknes Prefecture, El Hajeb Province, Ifrane Province, Sefrou Province, Taounate Province, and Taza Province in earlier arrangements, now reorganized under regional statutes enacted by the Ministry of Interior (Morocco). Institutions located in the region include municipal councils for Fes and Meknes, judicial bodies tied to the Supreme Court of Morocco, and development agencies collaborating with the World Bank and the African Development Bank on regional projects.
Population centers include Fes, Meknes, Ifrane, Sefrou, and Imouzzer Kandar, with demographic patterns reflecting urban migration seen across Morocco and household trends documented by the Haut Commissariat au Plan (Morocco). Ethnolinguistic communities consist of speakers of Arabic dialects and varieties of Berber languages such as Tamazight, with cultural minorities and migrant populations linked to intra-African movements and expatriate networks in Europe including ties to Spain and France. Religious life is dominated by Sunni Islam with institutions like the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and Sufi zawiyas historically associated with orders such as the Shadhili order and figures like Abu Madyan.
Economic activity combines agriculture on the Saïs Plain with industrial sectors in urban centers, including textile manufacturing in Meknes and artisan markets in Fes known for leather tanning and crafts promoted by organizations like the UNESCO Local Office. Key crops include cereals, olives, and citrus linked to export corridors toward Casablanca and Tanger-Med Port, while viticulture around Meknes has connections to historical vineyards and companies that traced origins to the French Protectorate. Infrastructure projects involve road links on the A2 motorway network, rail services operated by ONCF, water supply schemes coordinated with the Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water (Morocco), and electrification supported by ONEE. Investment programs have included partnerships with the European Union and Agence française de développement.
The region preserves cultural landmarks such as the Medina of Fes, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, and the imperial monuments of Meknes including the Bab Mansour. Cultural institutions include the University of al-Qarawiyyin, museums like the Dar Batha Museum, and festivals such as the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music which attract performers linked to ensembles from Mali, Egypt, and Spain. Handicrafts feature zellij tilework, zellige techniques shared with artisans from Andalusia histories, and culinary traditions tied to Moroccan cuisine showcased in events involving chefs recognized by awards like the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in diaspora collaborations.
Transport nodes comprise Fes–Saïss Airport, rail termini on routes between Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier, and motorway connections toward Meknes and Rabat. Tourism circuits highlight UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Medina of Fes and Volubilis, combined with eco-tourism in Ifrane National Park and cultural routes promoted by organizations like UNESCO and national agencies such as ONMT (Office National Marocain du Tourisme). Tour operators often link itineraries to itineraries including Chefchaouen, Marrakesh, and the Atlas Mountains while heritage conservation collaborates with international bodies including ICCROM and heritage NGOs.
Category:Regions of Morocco