The History of Fez: A Journey into the History and Civilization of an Ancient City

The city of Fez is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Morocco and the world. Fez has a rich and diverse history, and a unique cultural, artistic and scientific heritage. In this article, we will travel together on a journey through stations from Fez's political and cultural history, learning about its secrets and achievements.

We will start with the history of the construction of the city of Fez, then we will move on to the history of the city of Fez and its cultural radiance, and end with the history of Fez in the modern era. We hope you enjoy this journey, and learn something new about this ancient and amazing city.

Founding of the city of Fez

The city of Fez was founded in the eighth century AD by Idris I, the sixth grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Idris I is the founder of the Idrisid state, the first Islamic state in Morocco. Built by Idris I, his first mosque on the left bank of the Fez River, chose this site because it is surrounded by mountains, valleys and forests, making it a safe and fertile place. It is also close to important trade routes between Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Fez is the capital of Morocco

After the death of Idris I, the crown prince of his son Idris II, who was in his mother's womb when his father died. Idris II grew up in the city of Wallayla, which was the capital of the Idrisid state. But when he reached legal age, he decided to return to his hometown of Fez, making it the new capital of the state.

The prosperity of the city of Fez

Idris II built his second mosque on the right bank of the Fez River and founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world still operating. He also invited scholars, artists, and craftsmen from various Muslim countries to migrate to Fez, and established schools, libraries, workshops, and markets. In this way, Fez became a center of science, art and commerce in Morocco and the Far Maghreb.

In the following centuries, Fez witnessed urban, political and religious development and expansion, thanks to the Islamic states that ruled it, such as the Almoravid, Almohad, Marinid, Wattasiya and Saadian states. These countries added to the beauty and splendor of Fez, by building mosques, schools, cemeteries, baths, palaces, gardens and walls.

It also contributed to the unification of Morocco and the spread of Islam, science and culture in the world. Among the prominent figures who lived or visited Fez in this period are the philosopher and physician Ibn Rushd, the historian and traveler Ibn Battuta, the poet and politician Ibn al-Khatib, and the king and warrior Mawla Ismail.

The urban radiation of the city of Fez

Fez has a rich and diverse heritage, reflecting the influence of other civilizations it has come into contact with, such as Roman, Byzantine, Andalusian and French. Fez retains its original and unique landmarks, renovating and promoting some of them as part of sustainable development and cultural tourism. In this chapter, we will review some of Fez's civilizational achievements and the impact they have had on the world.

Artistic achievements

Fez is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, which express the taste, creativity and skill of its inhabitants. Among these arts and crafts are ceramics, copper, textiles, leather, wood, glass, jewelry, and textiles.

These arts and crafts use natural materials, bright colors, geometric, plant, animal and linear shapes. They also bear religious, cultural and historical symbols. Some of the most famous examples of Fassi arts and crafts are zellige, pottery, tanning, engraving, weaving, and loom.

Visit some of the museums and craft workshops in Fez to see these magnificent works of art, and learn about the ways in which they are made and meaningful.

Cultural achievements

Fez is considered the cradle of Moroccan culture, and the city of science and wisdom. Fez has many cultural, educational and religious institutions, which contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, values and tolerance. Among these institutions, we mention the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, which includes a huge library containing thousands of rare books and manuscripts in various sciences, arts and languages.

We also mention the Attarin School, which is an example of Islamic architecture and decoration. We also mention the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Morocco and Africa. Let us not forget the Fez Festival of World Music, which brings together artists and musicians from different cultures, religions and styles every year.

Achievements

Fez was a center of science and research in Morocco and the Islamic world. Fez has given birth to and hosted many scientists, thinkers and innovators in various fields, such as medicine, philosophy, jurisprudence, history, geography, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, agriculture, and engineering.

Among these scholars, we mention Ibn al-Haytham, who invented the photographic camera and laid the foundations of optics. We mention Ibn Khaldun, who wrote a comprehensive and innovative historical introduction. We recall Ibn al-Bana, who was famous for his skill in engineering, construction and mechanics. We remember Ibn al-Nafis, who discovered the microcirculation. We mention Ibn al-Tufail, who wrote an interesting philosophical novel about the Arabian Peninsula.

History of Fez: the most important historical events in the modern era

The city of Fez is not only a historical and civilized city, but also a lively and vibrant city. Fez has a distinctive and attractive identity, attracting visitors and residents alike. Fez respects its history and heritage, and adapts to current changes and challenges.

In this chapter, we will talk about some of the events and efforts that have shaped the identity of Fez and its inhabitants, which seek to preserve and renew its spirit. Fez has witnessed in its history many important and influential historical events, which affected its fate and future. Among these events, we mention

French invasion

The French conquest of Morocco in the twentieth century, which led to the division of Fez into three parts: Fez El Bali, Fez El Jadid, and the modern city. This division influenced the identity, culture and economy of Fez, bringing about urban, social and political changes.

Independence Movement

We also mention the Moroccan independence movement, which originated in Fez and spread from there to other cities and regions. This movement called for freedom, dignity and national unity, and had prominent leaders, symbols and martyrs.

We also recall the earthquake that struck Fez in 1994, which caused significant material and human losses and damaged some of the city's historical and cultural monuments. This earthquake prompted the authorities and society to work to rebuild, restore and improve Fez, and to strengthen its capacity to cope with natural disasters.

Fez classified as a World Heritage Site

Fez is currently witnessing many efforts, initiatives and projects, aimed at preserving, renovating and promoting its heritage, and improving the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Among these efforts, we mention the designation of Fez as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981, which recognizes its historical, cultural and artistic value.

This designation obliges the authorities and society to protect, maintain, restore and develop Fez, and to enhance its tourist and economic attractiveness. It also encourages cooperation and exchange with other World Heritage sites.

Launch of the Greater Fez Program

The Greater Fez Program was launched in 2014, which aims to improve the infrastructure, public services, environment and socio-economic development of Fez. This program includes multiple and diverse projects, such as the expansion and modernization of the airport, port, roads, railways, public transport, water, electricity, and telecommunications.

It also includes modernization, beautification, cleaning, greening and lighting of urban, rural, historical, cultural, sports and recreational areas. It also includes supporting, encouraging and diversifying the economic, social, cultural, tourism, educational, health, research and creative sectors.

Establishment of the Fez Saïss Association

The Fez Saïss Association was founded in 1986, which includes representatives of the authorities, civil society, the private, academic, media, cultural, artistic, sports and religious sectors. This association works to strengthen the identity, belonging and pride of the inhabitants of Fez in their city, and to encourage them to participate in its development and improvement.

It also works to introduce the world to Fez, its history, heritage, culture and potential, and make it a desirable tourist, investment, educational, research and creative destination.

In this article, we tried to give you a glimpse of the stations of the political and cultural history of Fez, and highlight some aspects and features that make it a distinctive and amazing city. We have seen how Fez was built, developed, prospered, influenced and influenced in different eras, eras and states.

We have seen how Fez possessed a rich and diverse heritage, including arts, crafts, culture, science, architecture, religion, language, music, literature, cuisine, dress, customs, and traditions. We have seen how Fez has a vibrant and vibrant identity, respecting its past and looking to its future. We hope that you liked and benefited this article, and that it will motivate you to visit Fez and discover it for yourself. Thank you for reading.