Nestled in the northern foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Fes is the oldest imperial city in Morocco and one of the oldest cities in the world. As the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes has a rich and varied history that stretches back to the 8th century.
The origins of Fes can be traced back to the Idrisid Dynasty, a dynasty of Berber origin that ruled Morocco from 788 to 974. In 789, Idris I, the founder of the dynasty, chose the site of Fes as his capital and built a fortress there. He also founded a mosque and a university, which became one of the world’s first universities and a major center of Islamic learning.
In the 11th century, the Almoravids, a dynasty of Berber origin from the Sahara Desert, took control of Fes and expanded the city. They built a new city wall and a grand palace, the Dar al-Makhzen, which served as the seat of government. The Almoravids also built a number of mosques and madrasas, or Islamic schools, which attracted scholars from all over the world.
In the 12th century, the Almohads, another dynasty of Berber origin, took control of Fes and continued to expand the city. They built a new city wall and a large number of mosques, madrasas, and other public buildings. The Almohads also built a new palace, the Dar al-Bayda, which was the seat of government until the 19th century.
In the 13th century, Fes was conquered by the Marinid Dynasty, a dynasty of Arab origin. The Marinids continued to expand the city and built a new wall and a number of palaces and public buildings. They also built a large number of mosques and madrasas, which attracted scholars from all over the world.
In the 15th century, Fes was conquered by the Saadi Dynasty, a dynasty of Arab origin. The Saadis expanded the city and built a new wall and a number of palaces and public buildings. They also built a number of mosques and madrasas, which attracted scholars from all over the world.
In the 16th century, Fes was conquered by the Alaouite Dynasty, a dynasty of Arab origin. The Alaouites continued to expand the city and built a new wall and a number of palaces and public buildings. They also built a number of mosques and madrasas, which attracted scholars from all over the world.
Today, Fes is a bustling city of over one million people. It is home to a number of historic monuments, including the Grand Mosque, the Royal Palace, and the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is one of the oldest and most famous Islamic schools in the world. Fes is also home to a thriving art and craft scene and is a major center of Islamic learning.
Fes is a city steeped in history and culture and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Morocco.