The most mystical of Morocco's imperial cities, Fez was founded in A.D. 808 by the Moroccan ruler saint Moulay Idris II. Fez became the capital and spiritual center of Morocco.
The city is situated in a narrow valley against the backdrop of the Middle Atlas and positioned on the old crossroads of caravan routes connecting the Saharan empires
like Timbuktu and Takrur with the Atlantic and the Mediterranean shipping lanes. Fez remained a commercial center for much of its history.
It is still considered Morocco's premier religious city by virtue of its Islamic traditions. It is the site of Qarawiyyin Mosque (the largest mosque in North Africa) and Qarawiyyin Madrasah, and is also the burial place of Moulay Idris II.
Apart from the European town built after World War II, Fez is divided into two distinct areas: Fez el Jdid (the new) and Fez el Bali (the old).
Textile and flour mills, oil-processing plants, tanneries, soap factories, and a large handicraft industry all can be found within the city of Fez.
Many people have moved from the older imperial city to the modern suburbs but the ancient city is powerfully compelling and it remains one of the world's great architectural treasures.
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