Fes

With a population of over 1.2 million residents, Fès is the second-largest city in Morocco, following Casablanca. The city is divided into three distinct parts: Fès el-Bali (the old medina), Fès el-Jdid (the “new” medina), and the Ville Nouvelle (modern city, built during the French Protectorate). The old medina of Fès el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the largest car-free urban area in the world, home to a labyrinth of alleys, souks, mosques, and historic madrasas. Fès has long been a hub of Islamic scholarship and craftsmanship, with the University of Al Quaraouiyine, established in 859 AD, recognized as the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world. The city’s economy thrives on tourism, leather goods, traditional ceramics, textiles, and education. Often referred to as “The Athens of Africa” or “The Spiritual Heart of Morocco,” Fès captivates visitors with its timeless charm, architectural marvels, and deep connection to Moroccan identity. It remains a symbol of prestige, tradition, and cultural richness in the Arab-Muslim world.