Visiting Fez Morocco | Travelling To Fez

Places to Visit in Fez The Spiritual Capital City Of Morocco

2011-05-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Fes or Fez (Arabic Fas), a city of northern Morocco, capital of province and urban prefecture, on the Oued Fez. Located on trade routes linking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea south of the Sahara, Fez is an important center of commerce and industry (textiles, flour mills, oil refineries, tanneries and soap). The craft is also very active. The fez, the famous fedora and cylindrical without rim, owes its name to the city where it originated. The city, whose old quarters are classified world heritage by UNESCO, is a major religious center and university and a high-rise architecture. This can be particularly admire the beautiful mosque Qarawiyin (ninth century), the ramparts and the palace.
Fez El-Bali, which is the oldest district of the city, was founded in 809 AD. BC by Idris II, and therefore a large community of Andalusia. Become one of the first cities in the Almoravids of Morocco, as it enlarges Mérinides (thirteenth to fifteenth century), it was the capital, with the founding of Fez el-Jedid. In the early twentieth century, the Convention of Fez (March 1912) was a French protectorate of Morocco. First capital of the kingdom in 808 under Idriss II, and twice again in the thirteenth century with the nineteenth century Merinids and the reign of Moulay Abdallah, ce, ntre spiritual and cultural traditional Morocco: Fez is a city of multiple single splendor. Furthermore the European city built after the First World War, Fez Fes el splits into Jedid ("New") and Fes el Bali ("the Old"). In 818, several hundred Muslim families driven from Andalusia by Christian armies, settled on the right bank of Wadi Fez. Seven years later, 300 families settled kérouanaises on the other side. The Arabs brought the art of Andalusia and know of a civilization in its heyday. The Andalusian district takes its splendor and profusion of its buildings. The palaces vie with ornaments carved furniture, bronzes, carvings, polychrome zelliges, lattices, columns and sculpted plaster ...
Nearby, the monumental gateway to the Andalusian Mosque calls the faithful to meditation. Indicated by green and white minaret, the madrasa el Sahrij (1321) seems to trickle from his luxurious decoration. All madrassas are home to a courtyard paved with marble or onyx that sees through doors ajar as a sanctuary of light. Escape through a window of children's voices chanting. Who listens hears the strings vibrate as the ties that bind a people's culture, from earth to heaven, material in mind. For Kerouane, it must be impressive and splendid mosque el Qaraouiyyine at glittering emerald-tiled roof. It is the oldest center of learning in the Western world, Oxford and the Sorbonne before and still today one of the main intellectual centers in the Maghreb. Its library is one of the world's largest, houses 30,000 volumes and a superb ninth-century Koran. Founded in 857 and extended until 1317, it remains a leap of faith, a dream of stone and fervor. When Merinids took power in the thirteenth century, they found Fes el Bali too small to contain the palace worthy of their magnificence. They construisèrent off the walls and added gardens, mosques, Koranic schools, souks ... Thus was born New Fes or Fez el Jedid. The main street of the place and Merinids Alawites constitute the hub. Dar el-Makhzen, the royal palace with gilded doors overlooking the plaza from the street or Bou Khessissat with houses of wood and wrought iron.

Places to visit: The "Dar el-Makhzen"
Access to the Royal Palace by the position of Alawi. A monumental gate, restored to nine, marks the official entry of this area includes several palaces decorations of great workmanship, places of arms, a menagerie, a qubba, a mosque, a madrasah and gardens closed Lalla Mina. Bab-Es Seba At the north end of Main street is Bab-Es Seba or "door of Seven", so named in honor of the seven brothers of Moulay Abdallah who succeeded to the throne in the eighteenth century. It was at this spot in 1443, the corpse of the Infante Ferdinand of Portugal was hung naked for four days. His coffin remained there for twenty nine years exposed.

The tombs Saadian

Discovered in 1917 and restored by the Department of Fine Arts, the mausoleum houses the body of a sixty Saadian including el Mansour, his successors and his family. The building consists of three rooms. The most remarkable is the room where twelve columns are buried Ahmed el Mansour and his son and his little son. This centerpiece, with its columns of Italian marble and its dome carved cedar wood, is a fine example of Moorish decorative art. Outside, there are the graves of soldiers and servants. You can relax in the garden of the cemetery, a veritable haven of peace.

Madrassah ben Youssef
The Madrassah ben Youssef is one of the most interesting monuments of the city. Built in 1570 by Saadi, restored in 1960, the Koranic school is the largest in the Maghreb. It could accommodate up to 900 students enrolled in only 132 cells! Unusually, the rooms upstairs have windows overlooking seven small "courtyards" home. Moreover, unlike the Arab-Andalusian architectural tradition, some of its opening overlooking the medina. The decor is much more conventional and we will not fail to admire the sculptures in cedar, stucco and zelliges that adorn the monument.

Bab Bou Jeloud
Located west of Dar Al-Batha, the enclosure door opens to Fez el-Bali. Built in the twelfth century and restored around 1913, she is blue enamel (color of Fes) outside and green (color of Islam) on the inside.
Old Mechouar
Bab-Es Seba opens Old Mechouar, a former parade ground where the royal troops paraded past. The people of Fes el-Jadid meet there at night around the storytellers, jugglers and snake charmers.
Grand Talaa
The "Big Up" is one of two main axes of the medina. It is recommended not straying too far because it is easy to get lost in the huge maze of streets!
The square-Nejjarine
The square is named after the souk of Carpenters located in an alley below. Fountain, with its covering mosaic glazed earthenware, is splendid and unusual. At the end of the square, the "fondouk" (guest house), recently transformed into a mosque, opens with a facade decorated with extreme wealth. It probably dates from the eighteenth and was completely restored by UNESCO.

Madrasah Bou Inania
Built between 1350 and 1357 by Sultan Abu Inan, the madrasa was the last built by the Merinids. Wide, it offers in terms of multiple stories of architecture Merinid (set in bronze, marble and onyx, cedar paneling, windows topped with stalactites ...). This madrasa is currently the only religious building in Morocco open to non-Muslims.

The zaouia of Moulay Idriss II
First saint of Fez. Access is prohibited to non-Muslims. But going around the left from the door of women, can be seen by either opening the courtyard of the mosque, then the room housing the tomb of the founder and patron saint of the city, Idriss II.
Mosque Karaouiyne
Founded in 857 in the district of refugees Kairouan, then enlarged in the twelfth sovereign Almoravid Ali Ben Youssef Mosque Karaouine Formerly home to twenty thousand faithful. It became, therefore, one of the largest mosques in the Maghreb. Renowned university, it is also the oldest center for religious education. From the entrance, tourists non-Muslims can see the large courtyard and two kiosks with marble columns reminiscent of the Court of Lions Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Souks

True cave of Ali Baba, a paradise for merchants, perhaps you will find hidden treasures ...

The Madrasah al Atarin
This small madrassah is considered one of the finest in Fez. Built in 1325 by Sultan Abu Said, it contains art treasures Merinid. The roof of the madrasa provides an interesting perspective on the inner courtyard of the mosque Karaouiyne neighbor, and allows to observe life on the terraces of the city. The mosque in the neighborhood of Andalus
You can find this area by the tanneries Chouara or Bab Ftouh. Founded in the ninth century, the Andalusian Mosque was originally a mere oratory. It is famous for its great north gate, decorated with tiles and a carved wooden canopy.

Visit Fez:Ideal Morocco Travel Package

2011-04-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

Fez Morocco Travel Package, Haute Cuisine of Fez & Old City Discovery, Your Morocco Travel Guide:

Fes is the perfect place for a holiday or travel Morocco a short break. Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most traveled Morocco Imperial Cities. Moroccan travelers visiting Fes to discover Fassis heritage and historical treasures to discover haute cuisine. The Guinness Book of World Records considers that the University of Al-Karaouine Fes, Morocco's oldest continuous degree granting university in the world.

The city of Fes cuisine "provides rich and varied tastes of traditional dishes such as Moroccan tagines, couscous, pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie), a mixture of carrot, eggplant and olive salads and the famous Moroccan soup called harira. Moroccan travelers looking to explore the culture of Fes should consider a culinary journey of Travel Exploration Morocco to seek to provide a cooking class with a Riad and private chefs. Fes Moroccan cuisine is prepared with a variety of herbs and spices that are locally grown in the region.
There are some dishes that are distinct to Fes. Traditionally a combination of a rich sweet taste with a bitter bite. Dishes such as melon and mint salad, salad choukchouka, zaalouk salad, feta, tajine, lemons, vegetable tagine, or a chilled radish, orange and fennel are often willing to large classes. And of course, topped with some of the Moroccan mint tea.
Fez is the fourth largest city in Morocco and known as one of its oldest imperial cities. Fes is divided into three parts, Fes el Bali (the old walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah) and the Ville Nouvelle (the French, the newest section of Fes. The medina Fes el Bali is believed to be created the largest contiguous car free urban area in the world.

For a close-up experience, consider a trip Morocco Fes Tour or go to Fes Morocco for a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour.
This award-winning "Discovering Fes" Morocco stands for a historical tour (book a tour or call (800) 787-8806 spectacular Moroccan holiday.
DISCOVER FES MOROCCO - TRAVEL for 8 days: MOROCCO holiday itinerary
DAY 1: Casablanca
► Arrival in Casablanca you arrange your hotel and rest for a few hours.
► Start your morning with coffee and sandwiches at one of the cafes in the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, a huge garden with avenues lined with tall palm trees, ficus, arcades, pergolas and flower beds. To the north, work your way up to the old medina if you Place Mohammed V and the Place des Nations Uniones, the main focus of the Ville Nouvelle, new city Casa. See French architecture, complemented by a Moorish design on Place Mohammed V, the protectorate square.
► Next enter Place des Nationes Unies. Now lined with impressive year 1930 apartments, shops and restaurants, the square was no more entertaining than a market at the beginning of the 20th century.
► Make sure you have a camera out to take photos of the famous clock tower to take art deco hotels, the eleven stories Moretti apartment building and the sharp rise of Art Deco buildings covered with loggias, columns, zellij tiles and geometric carvings on the Boulevard Mohammed V.
► Visit the famous blocks: the Glaoui, the Bessonneau and Asayag. Boulevard Place des Nationes left the station and is the gateway to the central market. Continue a short way to the Avenue des Forces Royal, a commercial space, which leads to the old medina. With the help of your guide, easy to move through the maze of narrow streets lined with jewelers, hairdressers and artisans. Squala See, a 18th century fortified bastion. Visit the nearby shrine of the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouant, Casa first patron saint.
► Enjoy lunch in one of the international restaurants by the Casa Port, the Corniche.
► After lunch visit to the Mosque of Hassan II. Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by French architect Michael Pinseau. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshipers.
► A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the courtyard of the mosque. The minaret is the world's highest at 210 meters. Casablanca Hassan II mosque construction began in 1980 and was intended to be completed for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan king, Hassan II, in 1989. However, the building was not consecrated until 1993. Authorities brought an estimated $ 800 million in the construction of the building. It is a huge architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world. Tour the famous minaret, dome, royal doors made of marble. On Friday, the Mosque of Hassan II is open to non-Muslims.
The Mosque of Hassan II cape offers a wonderful view of Casa Afna the residential quarter. After touring the mosque, the head of the new town of Casablanca, also designed by French architect Henri Prost for one hour of shopping.
► End the day with a visit to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe (formally called Lyautey), the city's largest municipal park. On the rim is the Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur, which is no longer used, but it is a wonderful example of architecture Mauresque.
► Dinner at Rick's Cafe, famous for the film "Casablanca"
DAY 2: Casablanca - FES
► Rise early breakfast in the Novelle of Casablanca and Fez and the road to come in the evening. Arriving in Fes, and settle in at your hotel.
► Enjoy dinner at your hotel or Le Maison Bleu, one of the most elegant Fassisi restaurants with traditional music, and then prepare for the coming days tour.
► Spend the night in a traditional Moroccan Riad in Fes, like Palais Jamai or a riad that is more intimate, like Riad Myra.
Hotel Palais Jamai Fes-
DAY 3: FES - Morocco historic landmarks - MUSEUMS - Mosques
► After breakfast meal of bread, fruit, coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, your day will begin at the Merenid counts of Fez.
► Standing among the olive trees and blue agaves, the sixteenth century elegant marble ruins and epitaphs confronted with a breathtaking view of the FES. Take a photo then continue along the old curtain wall of the medina and make a stop at the Musee des Armes, a fort that once protected Fez.
► Then the Fez el-Bali by the symmetrical horseshoe arches on Boujeloud Bab (blue gate). Fez el-Bali, is best described as a sea of roofs decorated with minarets and domes, is too narrow for cars. Besides hiking, donkeys and mules are still the best way to travel within the ancient city walls.
► Entering Talaa Kebira Rue, the main street in the medina, you will see lines of the stores covered by canopies. Make your way to the Mosque Karaouiyine. Located in the Karaouiyine quarter, the mosque is one of the oldest in the world and served as the first university in Morocco.
► After your visit, continue along the streets that will lead you to some of the most important buildings Fes, including Dar el-Magana, a fourteenth-century water clock and Zaouia el Tijaniya that the tomb of Ahmed al Tijani, scattered his infamous doctrine Tariqq El Tijaniya (The Way) across Morocco.
► Visit the Ech Cherabliyine Mosque (Mosque of the Slipper makers) then browse the surrounding lines of souks selling henna, slippers, kaftans, silk, jewelry and spices pressure around the kiss aria. Next visit of a UNESCO site, el-Fondouk Najjarine. Within three floors of the foundouk the Musée de Bois, who carved out the door gives Bou Inania Medersa.
► For lunch we eat at the Medina on one of the delicious Moroccan palace-restaurants that an extravaganza of mezas (small dishes) is common among Fassisi tradition serves. The mezas which are often brought to your table prior to the great mid-day meal, a number of these: Choukchouka salad, Zaalouk salad, carrots with cumin, raisins and orange salad, cold radish, orange and fennel salad. The mezas have traditionally followed by the main meal, without the possibility of a testament: Lamb, Prune, and Date Tagine, a chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemon or a vegetable Tagine. For dessert will be served with fruit or local Moroccan pastries with mint tea.
► After lunch we visit the Dar el-Batha Museum for its large collection of pottery, leather work, wood, books and manuscripts views from the nineteenth century.
► Bab el Ftouh Then, the "Gate of the opening" to the Andalusian district, a residential part of the Medina laced with monuments to explore. The experience of El-Sahrij Medersa and the Mausoleum of Sidi Bou Ghaleb. Our last leg of the tour will take you to the Fès el Jedid, a Kasbah in Morocco as administrative center operated until 1912. Explore the Royal Palace and many interesting quarters including the Moulay Abdalllah district, Mellah (Jewish quarter) and a little further south lies Ville Nouvelle (the new neighborhood).
Inside the medina, we will be following historical sites:
► Medersa Bou Inania: One (religious school) founded by Abu Inan Faris heavily decorated from floor to ceiling. The Medersa is one of the few religious sites in Morocco, accessible to non-Muslim tourists.
► Kairaouine Mosque: Morocco's second largest mosque was built in 857 by Fatima. The Kairaouine Mosque became the home of the first university in the West and the world's foremost center of learning at the start of the second millennium.
► University of Al-Karaouine: Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Islamic world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in the world.
► Medersa el Attarine: A (Quranic school), which was named after the local spice merchants known as Attar. Founded by Sultan Abu Said in the 14th century as a students' dormitory, is the Kairaouine Mosque.
► Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A Zaouia (shrine) and dedicated to the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fez for the second time in 810.
► Dar Batha: A Spanish-Moorish palace dating from the late 19th century that admirable collections of traditional art houses of Fez.
► Spend the night in a traditional Moroccan Riad in Fes.
Fes-man-in-old-brass-Medina Works
DAY 4: FES - Morocco's Tour of souks - MARKETS
► After breakfast start your tour of the souks and craft traditions in the medina, Fez el Bali, one of the world's largest walled cities.
► Each souk is reflected in the value of the sold items. The makers and distributors are grouped according to the products they offer and any type of craft has its own street or part of the street which is centered around the kiss aria near the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss. The layout of the souk is a complex network of streets selling luxury goods like fine silk and brocade, high quality jewelry and kaftans. There are also souks, including the El-Souk Attarine sell spices, a slipper and a henna souk souk, which is set in a shady area planted with arbuses.
We visit the following places:
► Weavers Cooperative: We will also visit the Weavers Cooperative located in a residential area from one of the main shopping street. The workshop is specialized in weaving the finest jellaba fabric made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop is also a quality fabric from locally spun jellaba makes woven woolen thread called Hubba-sometimes referred to as couscous, nubby texture because it is similar to the Moroccan national dish meal with the same name.
► Berber Carpet Demonstration: the famous exhibition of modern and antique Carpets is one of the places in Fez el Bali, where you can see a demonstration Berber carpet. You will be offered mint tea, and follow your guide a coil of stairs to a small area rugs are made by young girls who come from the mountains to tourists show how Berber carpets are made to look.
► Tanneries: The Chourara or Tanner's Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fes. The tanneries are often located near water courses, such as the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strong odors they produce.
► Dyers Place: The dyeing market, located on rue de Teinturies is the best place for the dying vats used for centuries to skins of sheep, goats, cows and camels enjoy see after their hair and remove meat is best seen from the neighboring terraces. You see many tanned colored with natural pigments ranging from shades of brown, black, turquoise fuchsia, yellow and orange.
► Potter's Cooperative: You will also visit the potter Cooperative. Place also known as el-Seffarine, kisseria this is the main center for production Fasiss Style ceramic, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco.
► Spend the night in a traditional Moroccan Riad in Fes.
DAY 5: FES - Ville Nouvelle - New City
► After a breakfast of Moroccan pastries, fresh fruit and hot coffee, drive to Ville Nouvelle, the new city dates from the French protectorate, which is south of Fez el Bali.
► originally the mall is designed to accommodate westerners living in Morocco, but today he is regarded as a modern Moroccan city. There are five mosques in Ville Nouvelle, which were built after Morocco became independent in 1956. A tour of the mosques and admire the beautiful architecture and buildings.
► lunch in an outdoor unit of the Ville Nouvelle in bars than exploring the shops in the new city. Ville Nouvelle has well-stocked shops filled with Moroccan crafts and foods from all over Morocco, as well as European clothing styles. The square is known for having some of the best tailors in Morocco. On Lalla Miriem find handmade caftans, and jallabas gandouras of which you can have custom made for you or visit the local cooperative where all items have a fixed price.
► dinner in the old medina in Fes. Spend the night in Fes.
(Book a tour or call (800) 787-8806)
DAY 6: FES - VOLUBULIS / WALILI - Moulay Idriss
► After a traditional Moroccan breakfast run on a two-hour excursion outside of Fez to the stunning archeological site of Volubilis (Walili) to explore.
► Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and gained international renown when Martin Scorsese made it a job location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ.
► Start your visit by exploring the fascinating Roman ruins and beautiful mosaics decorated with colorful tiles with the Roman mythology. The ruins are spread over several acres that remain visible are several fragments of the wall, parts of massive columns, the Capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch.
► You can see how the Roman Empire, the original Carthaginian settlement transformed into a typical Roman city, complete with houses, a center, a triumphal arch and temples dedicated to the Roman gods. Volubilis once served as a final stop of the imperial Roman road that went into France, Spain, down northern city of Tangier in Morocco and eventually Volubilis.
► Enjoy light meals for lunch in the small cafe that sits just below the ruins of Volubilis.
► On the way to Fes your driver will take you through the city of Moulay Idriss. You can subscribe to one of the two hills of Moulay Idriss. From there you can see a panoramic view and enjoy the green plateau on which lies Volubilis. The horizon is dominated by the triumphant aqueduct and from there you can see how the FertessaRiver, runs on one side of Volubilis, adding charm to the Roman ruins. Lunch and a tajine and couscous complement your meal with a glass of wine or red wine produced in the region.
► Every Muslim is supposed to be a journey to HAJ at least once in their lives only five visits to Moulay Idriss equals a trip to Mecca. Explore the holy city filled with defensive walls, a monumental gate, Koranic schools, fountains and a new dome of the mausoleum. Although the tomb of Moulay Idriss is closed for non-Muslims, from the terrace near the mosque of Sidi Abdallah el Hajjam, you see a breathtaking view over the city and the mausoleum. Before heading back to Fes sip coffee or mint tea on a terrace overlooking the rocky Middle Atlas Mountains.
► Spend the night in a traditional Moroccan Riad in Fes.
DAY 7: FES - Meknès
► After a breakfast of fresh fruit, jam, bread and mint tea, start your tour of Bab Mansour at Meknes. We take the road from Fez to Meknes.
► often as the Versailles of Morocco, Meknes is located between the fertile plain of the Middle Atlas and Rharb mentioned. The historical importance of Meknes is reflected in her high Moorish buildings and in close relation Meknes' to Volubilis, a nearby town known as the most important archaeological site in Morocco.
► Meknes rose to imperial status as Moulay Ismail began a building program to bring prestige to Meknes. Today, Meknès is the fifth largest city in Morocco and has a dynamic economic center that thrives on olives, wine and mint tea. The city unity of style lends it undeniable charm, enhanced still further by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Come to Meknes and its magnificent gates, walls, mosques and palaces to.
Browse the Souks ► Rue, a street full of hardware dealers (akarir), corn chandlers (bezzazine) and metal smiths (haddadin). Also important is a trip to the En-Nejjarine mosque, a 12th-century Almohad built structure. Before moving on to the square tiles of the towers and zellij Berdaïne gateway Bab el-see, catch the action of Ed-Dlala Kiss Aria. Every day in the Berber souk an auction site for carpets, blankets and other works created by the mountain people to sell.
► Lunch at the heart of the medina at Zitouna, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine. After lunch, the Tour of Meknes in a 4 × 4 Travel Exploration air-conditioned/heated. Explore Dar el-Kebira, a fortified area known as the imperial city. Dar el-Keibra is four times the size of the medina and has wide avenues and squares that are protected by a double line of walls and slanted ports.
► Visit the palaces and mosques located in the heart of Ksar el-Dar Kebira, the heart of the imperial city. Dar el-Keibra also visited the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. With a suite of three rooms, twelve columns and host a shrine of the tyrannical sultan, the graves reminiscent of the Saadian tombs in Marrakech.
► Back to Fes. Dinner at Le Palais D'Medina. Spend the night in a traditional Moroccan Riad in Fes.
DAY 8: FES - CASABLANCA
► Rise, breakfast and departure from Fez. This meant the end of your Morocco travel experience.

The History of Fez,The Spiritual Capital city of Morocco

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Dean of the imperial cities, Fez was founded in 789 AD by Idris I, a descendant of the prophet. His son, Sultan Idriss II, decided in 809 to establish the seat of the dynasty. From 818, the sultan in his city welcomes 8000 Andalusian Muslim families. Seven years later, this new population is strengthened by the arrival of Jews and Kairouan (Tunisia). Rich heritages of these multiple religious, cultural and architectural Fez is quickly becoming the religious and cultural center of Morocco.
Therefore, despite the dynastic wars and periods where it was not the official capital of the country, the imperial city has never ceased to expand and embellish. Today, Fez is probably the most authentic city in North Africa. The intellectual influence of his Koranic university Karaouiyne and its famous mosque, its art treasures Arabo-Andalusian, its medieval medina of Fez el-Bali (Old Fez)and its highly skilled artisans make the guardian of the traditions of Islam.
Idris I, founder the late eighth century, persecuted by the Abbasids in Baghdad Idriss takes refuge among the Berbers of central Morocco. In 789 he founded his capital on the right bank of the Oued Fez.
It will be the first Islamic city in the country. His younger son, Idriss II, is hosting hundreds of Arabs from North Africa and central Spain. The Andalusian district - El Adowa - was founded by the Muslim refugees from Spain in 818. Nearly 1400 families arrived in Cordoba Andalusia settled there. Seven years later evicted from Kairouan (present-day Tunisia), three hundred families of artisans and merchants wealthy, educated, accustomed to urban life, are west of the river in the area known as The Sahara of Kairouan veiled, Youssef Ben Tachfine, besieged Fez in 1063 and entered the city in 1069.
The writer Abu Obeid al-Bakri described it thus: "Fez is composed of two cities, one beside the other and each surrounded by a wall. They are separated by a river that runs very fast mills and which is crossed by bridges. " Both cities have large populations with a strong Jewish minority. The winner Almoravid quick to shoot down the walls, to establish a single enclosure and building, away from a fortress. Founder of Marrakech, the new ruler does not choose Fez as their capital. The city is however a growing artistic and intellectual marked by the erection in 1096 of the COLLEGE OF PATIENTS Almoravids madrasah provided with a library, and the reopening of the road to gold saharienne.La pulpit from which the top the preacher at the end of his sermon, calls the glory of the dynasty in place, is the symbol of political power and religieux.Le panel Fatimid period (above) and the Umayyad era record (the cons ) are the witnesses of the war between the Fatimids and the Umayyads to the seizure of power.
In 985, the Umayyad caliph signed his victory by giving the minbar this new folder. Royal procession. Every Friday, sulting went to the Grand Mosque, escorted by his guards in black holding, pageantry and preceded by the cavalry and infantry which kept the enthusiastic crowd to leave the field open to the royal procession. He joined the faithful at the Friday prayer.
Abd el-ALMOHAD Moumem the middle of the twelfth century, Almohad Sultan Abd al-Moumem seized the city, "frequented by travelers from all countries." Its inhabitants traded with Spain, the central Maghrib, the Sahara, the East and even some Christian countries. Andalusian refugees, accommodated in Fez, introduce new techniques of silk weaving, leather working and metals. At the end of the twelfth century, Fez has one hundred and twenty thousand houses in the early thirteenth century, three thousand five hundred factories. The prosperous city.
The APOGEE In the first half of the thirteenth century, Almohad weakness benefits the Marinids. Fez becomes the capital of the empire in 1250, for two centuries. Mérinides emerge as rulers of great builders. They are a prestigious city of Fez. It will have its heyday in the early fourteenth century. Mérinides oscillate between two policies: the expansion of their power in North Africa and the resumption of traditional south-north facing Spain. Fez, the hub of these operations gets a new administrative city.
Fes el-Jadid. Inside the chamber, rise palaces, mosques, fortresses and barracks. Muslim schools are the subject of special care. These areas serve as centers of prayer training policy frameworks designed to ensure the Islamization of North Africa imperial unit of North Africa from the west. Early in the fifteenth century, international trade is flourishing. Merchants leave for China, India, East Africa, Persia. The Fassi sell grain leather and Portugal, imported fabrics and industrial products English, exporting hides and rugs in Europe. In 1437, the discovery of the tomb of Idris runs a popular worship for the city's patron. The Jewish Quarter is created near the palace of the Jamai family.
In the second half of the fifteenth century, Fez is affected by the unrest in the kingdom by the end of the Marinids. It is marked by the appearance of the new dynasty Wattas Beni in 1471 with the arrival of Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 and, indirectly, by the arrival of the Portuguese in the Atlantic ports.
The success of the South Shorfa Saadian allow winners to move to Marrakech in 1524 and capture of Fez in 1549. The city lost its status as capital in favor of Marrakech. In the early seventeenth century, Fez known outbreaks of plague, famine, poverty and civil wars depopulated the city.
POWER POLITICS In 1666, Moulay Rachid restored order, revived the trade and chooses again Fez as their capital.
After a long period of unrest in the first half of the eighteenth century, the city will regain its calm and its prestige in the eighteenth century, through the alliance of the military and leaders of the old University of Qaraouiyne, seat a real political force. Competition from burgeoning economic activity in Casablanca, Fez remains radiation religious, intellectual and commercial.
The Protectorate in 1911, Moulay Hafid, faced with an insurgency, called on French troops. Some months later, in March 1912, he signed the Convention of Fez, the treaty establishing a French protectorate over Morocco. It develops when the modern city, known as European, as a planning very regular. This new city coexists with the old and Fez, an ancient city, known to preserve his inner self while remaining open to modernism. Fez gives the status of capital Rabat later, but remains the spiritual capital of Morocco deep into history.

Fez and its History

2011-04-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ancient city, remarkable for its cultural and religious than his artistic Ancient city, remarkable for its cultural and religious than his artistic know-how, Fez is a diverse city that entices visitors.
Its origin dates back to Idris I, immigrated to East, founded in 789 AD, a Berber village on the right bank of the river Fas. His son Idris II founded in 807 on the left bank in the western part of the site, a second city, Al-Aliya (High) which grew faster. Andalusian Muslims expelled by the Christians of Cordoba took refuge in 818 on the west bank, while a few years later from Kairouan families settled on the other side. The influence of Andalusian manifested itself particularly in terms of architecture and art, with its ornate palaces zelliges polychrome carved wood paneling, moucharabiehs ...
The two cities were united in a single enclosure, the Fes el Bali (the old Fez), during the reign of the sultans Almoravids. Subsequently, during the reign of the Almohad Fez had a long period of cultural development and economic prosperity.
The Marinids built in 1276, near the ancient city of Fez Jdid, most administrative functions, especially with the residence of the princes. A Jewish community settled in the early fifteenth century. Crafts, including weaving, embroidery and leather work, then are booming and their reputation spread beyond the borders of the country. After the fall of Granada in 1492 and the decline of Spanish influence, currents of inspiration came enrich references Ottoman artists and craftsmen.
Saadiens (sixteenth to seventeenth century) did build the bordj North and South (fortresses) that still stand today. After Moulay Ismail, the Alawi sultans resided long in Fes, they must palaces, mosques and madrasas.
Besides Fes el Bali and Fes-Jdid, was built from 1912 the New Town, crossing the Avenue Hassan II, very wide and lined with palm treesFez is a diverse city that entices visitors.
Its origin dates back to Idris I, immigrated to East, founded in 789 AD, a Berber village on the right bank of the river Fas. His son Idris II founded in 807 on the left bank in the western part of the site, a second city, Al-Aliya (High) which grew faster. Andalusian Muslims expelled by the Christians of Cordoba took refuge in 818 on the west bank, while a few years later from Kairouan families settled on the other side. The influence of Andalusian manifested itself particularly in terms of architecture and art, with its ornate palaces zelliges polychrome carved wood paneling, moucharabiehs ...
The two cities were united in a single enclosure, the Fes el Bali (the old Fez), during the reign of the sultans Almoravids. Subsequently, during the reign of the Almohad Fez had a long period of cultural development and economic prosperity.
The Marinids built in 1276, near the ancient city of Fez Jdid, most administrative functions, especially with the residence of the princes. A Jewish community settled in the early fifteenth century. Crafts, including weaving, embroidery and leather work, then are booming and their reputation spread beyond the borders of the country. After the fall of Granada in 1492 and the decline of Spanish influence, currents of inspiration came enrich references Ottoman artists and craftsmen.
Saadiens (sixteenth to seventeenth century) did build the bordj North and South (fortresses) that still stand today. After Moulay Ismail, the Alawi sultans resided long in Fes, they must palaces, mosques and madrasas.
Besides Fes el Bali and Fes-Jdid, was built from 1912 the New Town, crossing the Avenue Hassan II, very wide and lined with palm trees