Fez-Morocco

Fez or (Fes): is a city in northern inland Morocco, serving as the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. With a population of 1.11 million, it is the country’s second-largest city. Nestled northwest of the Atlas Mountains, Fez is renowned as the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa,” symbolizing spiritual and cultural significance in Morocco. Founded during the 8th–9th centuries CE, it initially comprised two competing settlements, evolving over the centuries under various empires. During the Marinid era (13th–15th centuries), Fez reached its peak, marked by the construction of notable madrasas and mosques. The city consists of two historic medina quarters, Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, along with the modern Ville Nouvelle area. The Fez medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the University of al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 857) and the Chouara Tannery, one of the world’s oldest tanneries.