Fes was founded by Moulay Idriss in 808 AD. Fes, is quite different from Rabat - a pretty dirty city for the most part, however, the area around our hotel was very pretty with lots of palm trees. The age of Fes shows in lots of places, especially in the Medina (means "old city"). Some of the walls are being supported with heavy boards until some restoration can take place. There are some alley ways probably two feet wide, while others are maybe 6 feet wide. Very, very interesting place.
The group started the day by visiting the area of Fes called The Mellah (old Jewish quarter of the city). It was fascinating and included the Iban Danan Synagogue (the synagogue for the poor jewish population). The quarter had streets designated for the poor, middle class and wealthy. This was definitely a segregated community.
Next we headed for the Royal Palace (it appears there is a Royal Palace in every city we visited because they were each the capital at one time during Morocco's history). The palaces are never open to the public for tours, so the outside is all you get. I must say, I saw some of the most beautiful wood doors.
Next we traveled to a fort overlooking the Medina for an overall view of its size. Unbelievable. So glad we had a guide. I could be wondering around in that maze for months, possibly years.
And here we go - to the Medina. I must admit it was a little disappointing considering everything I had read. But we only visited a very small portion. Perhaps I'll come back someday. Our journey through the maze begins.
Our first stop was the dying area - they use natural herbs and spices and then hang whatever is being dyed to dry. For example, they use saffron for the yellow
The leather, however, is dyed differently. They first use urine and pigeon droppings to soften the leather in white honeycomb looking vats and then transfer the hides to the various other vats, depending on what color the hide is to be. The workers are paid per piece.
Off we go now to the Attarine Medersa (Koranic school of the Spice Sellers) was named for local spice merchants known as attar. Founded by Merinid Sultan Abou Saïd Othman in the 14th century as a students' dormitory attached to the Kairaouine Mosque. The mosaics and carved wood is unbelievable. There is a mosque attached
You never know what you might see in a Medina - sort of feel like I'm back in time!
The group started the day by visiting the area of Fes called The Mellah (old Jewish quarter of the city). It was fascinating and included the Iban Danan Synagogue (the synagogue for the poor jewish population). The quarter had streets designated for the poor, middle class and wealthy. This was definitely a segregated community.
Next we headed for the Royal Palace (it appears there is a Royal Palace in every city we visited because they were each the capital at one time during Morocco's history). The palaces are never open to the public for tours, so the outside is all you get. I must say, I saw some of the most beautiful wood doors.
Next we traveled to a fort overlooking the Medina for an overall view of its size. Unbelievable. So glad we had a guide. I could be wondering around in that maze for months, possibly years.
And here we go - to the Medina. I must admit it was a little disappointing considering everything I had read. But we only visited a very small portion. Perhaps I'll come back someday. Our journey through the maze begins.
Our first stop was the dying area - they use natural herbs and spices and then hang whatever is being dyed to dry. For example, they use saffron for the yellow
The leather, however, is dyed differently. They first use urine and pigeon droppings to soften the leather in white honeycomb looking vats and then transfer the hides to the various other vats, depending on what color the hide is to be. The workers are paid per piece.
Now off we go to the carpet coop. Oh my goodness, I found four of the most beautiful kilims and the bargaining begins. Guess who won? Well it wasn't me and I walked away empty handed and a little discouraged. Kilims were so high on my list and I was wondering if I would find what I really wanted. The gentleman kept saying "ma'am give me your best price." But I can say I stuck to my guns and wasn't going to go over what I had intended to spend.
On the way to our next stop we came upon the bread bakery for that area of the Medina. Quite interesting.
Off we go now to the Attarine Medersa (Koranic school of the Spice Sellers) was named for local spice merchants known as attar. Founded by Merinid Sultan Abou Saïd Othman in the 14th century as a students' dormitory attached to the Kairaouine Mosque. The mosaics and carved wood is unbelievable. There is a mosque attached
You never know what you might see in a Medina - sort of feel like I'm back in time!
Our time in Fes ended with an awesome dinner at a restaurant in the Medina. My first chicken tajine! The entertainment was great.
I'm pooped
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