The destination for this weekend is the imperial city of Fes, located to the northwest of Morocco's Middle Atlas mountain range. As one of Morocco's four imperial cities (along with Rabat, Meknes and Marrakesh), Fes is the oldest and has assumed the role as the country's moral and cultural center (for which most locals whom I visited took a certain pride).
Having a couple of days to see as much as possible (while leaving some sites for later trips), today's focus was to get a general feel for the old and new medinas (there's also a newer, commercial medina as well) and their cultural and historical markers. In no particularly significant order (other than how I saw them), snapshots follow. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone could do them justice...
La Gare (Train Station) seated along the outskirt of the Middle Atlas
Courtyard of Riad Sowafine (originally over 100 years old, restored three years ago)
One of the Dining Areas in the Riad
Dinner Last Night at the Riad: Broiled Beef Tenderloin with Onions and Peppers - Delicious!
The Old Medina at Dawn
Old Medina to the West
The Seven Doors to the Royal Palace of Fes
One of those Doors (which I believe graced the cover of Lonely Planet's 2010 Morocco edition)
The Mellah (or Jewish neighborhood)
A Synagogue in the Mellah
700-year old Bathing Basin in the Synagogue that was once used for Weddings
One of the Old Medina's Souqs
One of the Kasbahs used to Protect the City Centuries Ago
The Central River, which used to irrigate the Old Medina.
The Gathering Area near Moulay Idriss University (used typically for festivals)
Bab Boujloud: The Old Medina's Main Entrance (with the Qarawiyine Mosque Minaret inside it)
Inside the Medersa Bouanania, one of the cities 700-year old schools.
Another shot of the Medersa's Interior
One of the Old Cities Alleys
An Entrance of the Qarawiyine Mosque, Morocco's second largest (20,000 can gather at once inside)
Another entrance (of seven) to the Mosque
A shot of the Tannery Pits from one of the neighboring shops
Another look at the Tanning Pits (a piece of leather can take up to 3 weeks down there to gain its color)
A Balcony I liked
Inside the Medersa Al Atareez (like the Medersa Bouranania, but smaller)
Inside the Berber House, a Carpet Store in the Old Medina
More to come soon!
beautiful shots, keep 'em coming. How did the tannery smell? Check out an auto stitch app for your phone to take some great panoramic shots easily.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, it wasn't a hot day and the smell wasn't too over-powering; imagine a thousand brand new leather coats pushed in your face. Camel, sheep, cow; you name it - it was in there someplace. The shop owner who provided the view was thoughtful enough to provide each of us with a mint leave to clear the nostrils! Thanks for the tip; will figure out a way to get some panoramic shots together...
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are fantastic. While you are in Fez, visit Moulay Yacoub. It is close to Fez. - Samira
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fantastic post and photos. I'm green with envy and tickled to death that you are having this experience Jay.
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I love the layout of the blog; keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteAll the Best,
JD Kristenson
Olmsted, 2009, Beijing, China
Awesome pics. My wife and I were able to hit up Morocco while we were in Europe and it is a fascinating culture. Thanks for the pics and the notes asn we'll keep up.
ReplyDeleteBrian McCoy