Fez, Morocco’s first Muslim metropolis, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the nation’s own. For centuries, it vied for prominence with other imperial cities like Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat. Today, Fez stands as the spiritual heart of Morocco.

Founding of Fez:

Before the arrival of the Arabs, Berbers were the indigenous inhabitants of Morocco. Even today, this distinction persists, with Arabs primarily residing in urban areas and Berbers predominantly inhabiting rural regions.

In 788, Idris I, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty, the first Muslim dynasty in the Maghreb, established the city of Fez

The chosen location will be situated at the crossroads of various trade routes:

-Fez’s strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes connected the south (Sijilmassa, Mali) to the north (Tangier, Ceuta) and the east (Marrakech) to the west (Algiers, Tunis, Cairo, Mecca).

With abundant water from the Oued Fez River, fertile lands, and resources like stone, clay, and wood, the area thrived. Expelled families from Cordoba and Kairouan settled on opposite banks of the river, forming two communities: the Karouanais on the right bank and the Andalusians on the left.

In 859, Fatima al-Fihriya founded the Quaraouiyine Mosque, the first Muslim university, predating Bologna. By 1069, the Almoravids united the banks, creating the Medina of Fez, which became a major intellectual center under the Almohads.

Fez during its Golden Era:

During its Golden Age, Fez flourished as a vital cultural, intellectual, and economic hub. Strategically located at the crossroads of major trade routes, it connected Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Abundant water from the Oued Fez River and rich resources supported agriculture and construction, fueling the city’s growth.

Expelled Andalusian and Kairouanese families settled on opposite riverbanks, establishing two vibrant communities. In 859, Fatima al-Fihriya founded the Quaraouiyine Mosque, the world’s first Muslim university. Under the Almoravid and Almohad dynasties, the two banks merged into the walled Medina of Fez, a center of learning, art, and trade that attracted scholars and merchants from across the Islamic world.

Steps were taken to ease public resistance:

To diminish the religious dominance of the great mosques opposed to the government, lavish schools (Medersas) were established in the Medina. Poor students from across the country came to study under the sultan’s generous sponsorship, creating loyal and appreciative citizens who would eventually become government employees.

The discovery of the tomb of the founder, Idriss ben Abdellah, provided a compelling reason to relocate the Jewish community from the Medina to the old Mellah citadel. This served two purposes: protecting the new holy site from non-believers and ensuring the monarch’s control over the Jewish population, thereby diminishing the influence of Fez’s merchants.

During Fez’s golden age, the Christian reconquest of Granada pushed Muslims into the city, bringing with them their knowledge and expertise. Fez became a cultural hub for Arab-Andalusian traditions in architecture, music, and cuisine.

However, the reign of the Ouattassides led to the city’s decline, culminating in the devastating earthquake of 1522. The Saadian dynasty moved the capital to Marrakech and built the El Badi Palace. Distrusting the population, the new monarchy erected castles around Fez for protection.

For a brief period, Fez regained its status as the capital under the Alaouite dynasty, before the capital was shifted to Meknes. During the French protectorate, numerous uprisings challenged the sultan’s authority, and Rabat became the new capital.

Today, Fez remains one of the highlights of our trips offered by Morocco Sahara Path. It serves as a gateway to the Sahara Desert and other destinations, providing a rich cultural experience.