Fes
This is a marvelous, carefully preserved imperial city which embodies the essence of the country: aromas, shapes, colors and a rich history make up the city of Fes and part of the soul of an entire nation.It was only in the first half of the twentieth century that the discovery of silver coins minted with the stamp of Idriss 1, founder of the Idrissi dynasty, made it possible to locate the origins of the city of Fes in the eighth century.
Idriss II, successor to his father, devoted his time to developing the city of Fes. He decided to establish a military base here, populate the left bank and surround it with walls. Construction of a royal palace and a market completed the scene.
During his reign Idriss II welcomed political refugees from Andalucia. The latter soon offered their adopted country their experience, techniques and knowledge. Some were indeed intellectuals and craftsmen.
The death of Idriss II, however, and the resulting power struggle, delayed development of the city for some time.
In the eleventh century Prince Youssef Ibn Tachfine managed to unite the two parts of the city and surround Fes with walls, thus ending a tumultuous period marked by many internal wrangles.
The restoration of peace marked the beginning of the era of prosperity for Fes, whose influence subsequently never stopped expanding.
The supremacy of the Almohades in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries only came to increase the superiority of the city. Trade and industry, particularly tiles and copper, prospered continually.
The economic success of the city led to the appearance of intellectual and religious trends: Fes took on the air of a capital. The Karaouiyine Mosque then became the headquarters of a real university.
It was finally in the fourteenth century when Fes experienced its golden age. Ostentation, luxury, new ideas and trade gave the city the status of the capital of an empire. This was the period of the reign of the Merinides dynasty. Everything in the city was designed to provide the maximum comfort for its inhabitants.
In 1666 Moulay Rachid was proclaimed sultan. He was the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, a descendant of which is Hassan II, present King of Morocco.
Four years after his proclamation Sultan Moulay Rachid established Fes as the capital of the kingdom.
His reign allowed construction of a palace in Fes Jdid, not very far from the old palace, and also restoration of the medersas. Bridges and walls were also built, complementing the city's image of capital.
His brother, Moulay Ismail, who succeeded him, preferred the city of Meknes as his residence and capital.
It was only in the reign of Moulay Hassan I (1873-1894), however, when Fes became the scene of two major works with the building of a bridge which had become essential to carry the increased traffic, and the installation of electrical and telephone cables , which somewhat surprise this rather traditional city. To preserve the media, an authentic aspect of national heritage.
Just go through a gate into the medina and you will find yourself in another world altogether: the magical and mysterious world of the Orient unfolds its charms for the visitor.
The Andalous Mosque, founded in 859, is attractive because of its magnificent worked cedar gate and because of the ancient wooden pulpit dating from 980, a minor marvel.
The Sahrij Medersa, built in the fourteenth century, is a stone's throw from the Andalous mosque and owes its name to the beautiful ablution pool. The arrangement of the different parts of the room and the proportions of the whole give this place a calm, tranquil air.
The Karaouiyine Mosque, founded in 862, owes its name to its geographical situation. It was built in an area where political refugees from Kairaouan used to live.
In addition to its unique architecture this mosque has the honor of being one of the oldest universities in the world. Many celebrities have been able to visit it and discover its culture. The library houses countless rare books dedicated to the sciences, philosophy and theology. The Karaouiyine Mosque is a true source of history and knowledge.
In Seffarine Square the manufacturers of copper ware beat pieces of metal which, through the force of patience, will eventually become enormous pots. The inhabitants of the quarter do not seem very put out at the noise of the metal beating, and actually find time to sit down close to the crafstmen and chat for a while.
The Attarine Medersa, built in the fourteenth century by Sultan Abou Said, was initially designed to house students who had classes in the Karaouiyine Mosque.
This is surely the most beautiful medersa in Fes, its proportions and decorations making it a jewel of Merinide art. Its name derives from the word "attar", which means spice trader.
Leaving the Attarine Medersa, just follow the Attarine souk street to get to the henna souk.
Traders and potters occupy this souk. In the grocery stores you will find henna in all its forms, but also the black, Greg or colored khol which has emphasised the eyes of Moroccans for centuries.
Fes pottery, famous for its quality, motifs and colors, particularly blue, has experienced a downturn in production because of the arrival of modern materials on the market. Fortunately customers now once again appear to be able to appreciate a salver or a plate, which can be either objects of art or decoration.
The dyers' souk is really just a narrow alleyway flanked on both sides by small dark stalls in which the dyers pursue their business, bent over blocks of dye. The rinsing is always done in the street. when the pavement takes on different hues according to the time of day.
The great tanning work affords a marvelous spectacle. Small round or square cubes cut into the floor are filled with a thousand and one different colors. The hustle and bustle around these cubes of colors is constantly kept up by men who devote their energy to cutting animal hides in their bare feet, a spectacle of rare beauty.
The Nejjarine quarter borders the henna souk. The pleasant odor of cedar will stimulate your senses and attract you into shops where cabinetmakers work their wood so skillfully.
One of the finest fountains in the city rises in this square: the Nejjarine fountain, a must for all tourists.
The Bouanania medersa was the last medersa built by the Merinides between 1350 and 1357. It is imposingly grandiose, and the prayer room attracts a crowd of faithful everyday.
Only in 1437 did excavations allow the Zaouya of Idriss II, who died in 828, to be discovered. If you can only manage to see one gate in the medina we would advise you to seek out the recently built Boujeloud gate. Bob Boujeloud was only built in 1913, but it is a perfect architectural success.
The wide Hassan II Avenue, flanked with palm trees, leads straight to Florence Square, where the Bank of Morocco is based.
Mohammed V Avenue leads into the commercial heart of the modern city, where luxury and the variety of clothes, newspapers and foodstuffs is comparable to any city in the world.
The modern hotels of the city are located in Es-Slaoui Avenue, which begins near Mohamed V Square. This avenue is also the location of the Royal Academy, a place for varied conferences and events which make Fes a political intellectual and cultural center.
The great Fes Jdid Street, given over to trade, attracts crowds of people in the evenings who soon become consumers. This street leads to Bab Dekaken, which connects Fes El Bali and Fes Jdid.
The old Batha Palace, built in the nineteenth century, has now been converted into a museum of popular art. Here you can seen countless items which are as original as they are rich in learning of the habits and customs of the local inhabitants throughout the centuries.
Weapons fans will have to visit the Weapons Museum housed in the north Borj, built in the sixteenth century by Ahmed El Mansour. The North Borj and the South Borj were built to ensure the safety and defense of the city.
|Home|Country|Pictures|Links|Sms|Search|music|
|Rabat|Marakech|Casablanca|Tangier| Agadir|Fes|Ouarzazate|Oujda|