Fes

　　          Fes, a historic capital of Morocco, is located in the northern part of the country on a plateau at an altitude of 410 meters at the northern foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains. It lies 190 kilometers west of the capital Rabat and serves as a key transportation hub for the eastern, western, and northern regions. As the earliest established Arab city on Moroccan soil, it boasts a history of over 2,800 years and is regarded as one of the holy cities of Islam.

　　          The city of Fes was founded in 808 BC. It is said that Idris II, the great-grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the king of Morocco’s first dynasty, rebuilt the city in the 8th century on the ruins left by the Vandals. The name “Fes” evolved from “Fas.” In Arabic, “Fas” means “golden axe.” Legend has it that when Idris II presided over the groundbreaking ceremony, he discovered a massive golden axe facing the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Taking this as an auspicious omen, he immediately named the city “Fas,” which later became “Fes” and has remained so to this day. Upon completion, Idris II designated Fes as the capital of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty—the Idrisid Dynasty. In Arabic, “Fas” also means “fertile land” and “pickaxe.” Since Fes is built in a small valley surrounded by hills covered with lush olive trees, beyond which lies a vast plain dotted with crisscrossing streams and gurgling waters, the area enjoys a pleasant climate, abundant vegetation, year-round greenery, and rich resources—hence the name “fertile land.” As for the origin of “pickaxe”: one day, Idris II showed his people a pickaxe resembling a bird’s beak. Having never seen such a tool before, the locals were amazed. Idris II ordered them to try using it to till the land. To their delight, they found it efficient and effective, and they praised it highly. The tool soon gained popularity among the people. To commemorate this significant discovery, the city where Idris II resided was named “Fas,” now known as “Fes.”         Fes is world-renowned for its exquisite Islamic architecture. The ancient city, established in 808 BC, covers an area of 300 hectares. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with shops and workshops, some of which display goods right outside. The districts are pedestrian-only, sometimes requiring visitors to step into shops to pass others, as motor vehicles are not allowed. Horses, donkeys, or flatbed carts serve as the main means of transport. The architectural style, local customs, and lifestyle still reflect a strong medieval character. The ancient city is filled with well-preserved historical landmarks. Records indicate that during the height of Islam in the 12th century, the city had 785 mosques, and over 360 of them are believed to remain today. Among these, the Karawiyin Mosque, featuring 270 columns, and the Andalusian Mosque, one of Morocco’s oldest, are particularly famous. Other sites showcasing Islamic architectural artistry, such as ancient fortresses, palaces, and museums, are also abundant.         The city’s University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD, is a prestigious institution dedicated to Islamic studies and research. Its library houses hundreds of thousands of Islamic texts, including more than 8,000 precious manuscripts, making it the world’s oldest university—390 years older than Oxford University and 291 years older than the University of Paris in France. Originally a mosque, the university initially taught the Quran to followers. Additionally, the tomb of Idris II, the founder of Fes, attracts visitors from around the globe. Springs can be found throughout the city, considered sacred “holy water.”        The new city, built in 1276, features prominent European-style architecture, creating a stark contrast with the old city. Its wide, straight streets are shaded by trees and adorned with blooming flowers. Tall buildings line the roads, including impressive hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, office buildings, and banks. The area is bustling and vibrant.        Fes is surrounded by numerous historical sites. Two castles on the southern and northern hillsides, built during the Saadian Dynasty in the 16th century, remain well-preserved and stand prominently. The northern hillside castle has been converted into a weapons museum, displaying swords, sabers, and other arms crafted throughout Moroccan history or gifted by foreign nations. One sword bears Chinese characters, believed to have been a gift from an ancient Chinese emperor to a Moroccan king, highlighting the long-standing friendly relations between the Chinese and Moroccan peoples.

　　      Fes has a population of about 400,000. Its outskirts are filled with orchards and olive groves, presenting a lush and picturesque landscape. Fes is not only an important hub for agricultural and livestock products in northern Morocco but also has rapidly developing industries, including flour milling, wood processing, and textiles. The city also benefits from convenient transportation.

　　 Rabat, Morocco