Fez

Fez

The medina of Fes el-Bali (old Fez is the largest? living medieval Islamic city in the World, containing many bazaars, restaurants, shops, workshops, mosques, medrasas. (theological colleges) and monuments, like (Karaouine Mosque, Medrasa Bou Inania, Medrasa el Attarine, Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, Dar Batha Musuem, and the tanneries).
Karouine mosquée : Built in 859 by refugees from Tunisia and rebuilt in the 12th century, it can accommodate up to 20,000 People for prayer.

Medrasa Bou inania : A theological college constructed by the Merinid (Sultan) between 1350 and 1357.

Medrasa el attarine : Founded by Abou Said in 1325 in the heart of the medina, it was designed as next to the Mosque flanking the central court yard.

?Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.

Fes el jadid: "New Fes" ?was built in the 13th century by the paranoid Merinid sultan Abou Youssef Yacoub (1258-1286), who sought to isolate himself from his Subjects. The district was packed with his mercenaries from Syria and even today half of its area is given over to the grounds of the royal palace. Its other main legacy is its architecture, which is evidence of its early Jewish inhabitants.

Mellah : In the 14th century, Fes el Jadid became a? refuge for Jews, thus creating a mellah (Jewish quarter). The records suggest that the move was orchestrated to offer the Jews greater protection, enjoying the favor of the sultan.


  • Population: 1 112 000
  • Region: Fès-Meknès
  • Coordinates: 34° 03? 00? Nord 4° 58? 59? Ouest
Fez