Have you ever found yourself lost in radiant charm and beauty?

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I first came to the imperial city of Fez except for the wonderful Riad accommodation and an endless trail of mosque and old stone walls. Until later, I found myself in real awe, appreciating the intricate details and delicate architectural style all fused into one grandiose design. But apart from this, something tells me that there’s so much more than what meets the eye. The stone walls, mosques, and fortresses, I believe, are not just a physical evidence of Moroccan masterpieces but a living witness to how the imperial city of Fez evolved through time.

Before I knew it, I was already inside a mosque, standing right at the door of the Qaraouiyan Library. I then decided to take further steps to unravel the secrets and historical wonders of Fez. There are more than a thousand books, and as I leaf through the delicate pages, I found myself trailing back to where it all started. But to sum up the historical adventure I’ve uncovered, I have five interesting things to share about Fez:

Fez is the oldest Moroccan city founded in 789 by Prophet’s Mohammed’s great-grandson, Moulay Idriss. Idris II, Moulay Idriss’ son, also explored other regions and took over one of the first dynasties.

*The imperial city of Fez was under the rule of an imam, a political and religious leader in one. This is perhaps the main reason why Fez is known for medieval mosques scattered all around the imperial city.

*There was a series of revolts that followed the rule of different dynasties. However, even if Fez suffered from its plight, it survived all the tragedies and stood firm as a restored Moroccan city.

*Early medieval mosques such as Zaouia Si Ahmed Tijan not only served as a sacred house of worship, but also as a secret refuge for wounded Moroccan warriors who fought the French invaders.

*Finally, despite the infamous struggles, the imperial city of Fez is still reputed today as a spiritual and cultural haven in Morocco.

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