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An Ancient City Of Islamic Culture.
Fez — Where Past Meets Present
Throughout Morocco contrasts can be seen in the way of life of its peoples. But this contrast is particularly noticeable in the city of Fez, an ancient center of Islamic culture.
Situated in North Africa nearly one hundred miles from the Atlantic Ocean and some eighty-five miles south of the Mediterranean, Fez has for centuries been the crossroads for numerous civilizations. It now has a population of over 1,256,000.
Arriving at Fez by road, we enter first what is called the ‘new city.’ This was built mainly by the French during the time that Morocco was a protectorate of France between 1912 and 1956.
It resembles a European city with its sidewalk cafés, shops and people dressed in the latest styles from Paris.
The Arabs who live here also are very much Westernized. It would be easy to forget that just a mile or more away exists the ancient Fez, which is a striking contrast to what we see here.
The Ancient City
The old city of Fez was founded shortly after 800 C.E. by Moulay Idris I, who was a descendant of Ali, the son-in-law of Mohammed. Fez continued as the capital of an independent kingdom for many centuries, and long has been considered by many to be the center of the…
