The medina of Fez el Bali

The medina of Fez el Bali

The medina of Fez el Bali is located in the heart of Fez, a city in northern Morocco, and is one of the ancient Islamic centers of the Mediterranean region. The old city of Fez is world-renowned for its exquisite Islamic architecture, and its residents still maintain medieval customs and lifestyles.

The medina of Fez el Bali is situated in the city center of Fez, a city in northern Morocco, and is one of the Muslim religious and cultural hubs. It was initially built in 790 AD during the reign of Idris I and further expanded in 808 AD. The city of Fez is perched on a plateau at an elevation of 410 meters in northern Morocco, straddling both banks of the Fez River. It consists of the old medina, the new city built in the 13th century, and the modern city developed in the 20th century. It lies approximately 160 kilometers east of the capital Rabat. As one of the holy cities of Islam, the old medina of Fez is famed for its outstanding Islamic architecture, and its residents continue to uphold medieval traditions and ways of life. From a high vantage point, one can see the vast expanse of the Fez medina (the Arabic quarters commonly found in North African cities), with countless small white houses densely packed together in endless rows, among which many buildings are truly spectacular. Navigating the medina is like exploring a maze — a labyrinth of bustling, lively streets filled with pedestrians, street vendors, artisans, and donkeys. The ancient city was founded by Idris I, who established the first Islamic dynasty in Africa. His son, Idris II, further expanded it and made Fez the capital in 808 AD (192 AH), laying the foundation for the city’s status as a renowned Islamic metropolis. Thereafter, Fez rapidly grew in prominence. In the 9th century, Andalusians driven out of Córdoba by the Umayyads settled on the right bank of the Fez River Valley, while immigrants from Kairouan in Tunisia made their homes on the left bank, giving rise to the districts of Andalus and Qarawiyyin. This layout was preserved during the city's expansion in the 13th and 14th centuries. Founded in 859 AD, the University of al-Qarawiyyin is the oldest university in the world. It was established by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri and later became a hub for the dissemination of Islamic thought and science. During the 13th and 14th centuries under the rule of the Berber Marinid dynasty, numerous Islamic schools were built around the university. Since then, the city's influence in knowledge, art, and religion quickly extended beyond North Africa. Students flocked to the city from across the region, along with visitors from the East, Africa, and Spain seeking advanced studies.

Among them, the Andalus Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in Morocco — and the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, which boasts over 270 columns, were both constructed around 860 AD. At the height of the city’s prosperity in the 12th century, there were as many as 785 mosques, of which more than 360 still remain today. Prominent among these are the Abu al-Najja Mosque and the Attarin Mosque. Two fortresses built on the northern and southern hillsides of the city during the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century still stand today. The 'Alaouite dynasty restored grand palaces, Islamic universities, and mosques. These historic sites are collectively known as the "Heritage of Fez." Additionally, outside the city lies the tomb of Idris II. In summary, the main historic landmarks of Fez can be categorized as follows: military defense structures (city walls, castles, gatehouses, fortresses, bridges, etc.), religious buildings (mosques, prayer halls, Islamic universities, decorative carvings), spacious mansions (palaces, residences adorned with marble and ceramic decorations), centers for the dissemination of Islamic thought and science, and workshops preserving the oldest craftsmanship techniques (such as tanneries, harness shops, leather processing plants, and ceramics workshops). The architectural layout of Fez was designed from its inception to harmonize with the surrounding natural environment. The Fez River runs through the city, and its delicate bridges serve as vital crossings between both banks. The city had a well-developed sewage and water supply system. Fountains within the mosques and Islamic universities continuously flow with water, creating an atmosphere that feels refreshing, cool, and serene.

Despite this, after enduring centuries of change, the various architectural structures in Fez have suffered varying degrees of damage. Following its inscription on the World Heritage List, Morocco and UNESCO eventually formulated a comprehensive restoration plan for the ancient city. The project officially began in 1989. After conducting a general feasibility study, the Moroccan government established an organization responsible for implementing and coordinating this rescue plan. The restoration projects included around 50 of the oldest and most significant monumental buildings.

Rabat, Morocco