Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, is a journey back in time through layers of history and heritage. Founded in the late 8th century by Idris I, Fes became a bustling center of commerce, education, and religious scholarship, shaping it into a revered cultural capital. By the 9th century, the city saw the establishment of the University of Al Quaraouiyine by Fatima al-Fihri, a groundbreaking institution that is recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating university.

Under the rule of the Marinid dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries, Fes reached its peak as a center of learning and artistry. Many of the grand monuments we see today, like the Bou Inania Madrasa and the magnificent Nejjarine Fountain, were built during this period. The city’s artisans were renowned for their craftsmanship in pottery, textiles, and metalwork, which remains celebrated today in the bustling souks.

Walking through the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali, the old medina, visitors are transported into a living museum where nearly 10,000 narrow alleys and pathways weave past historic mosques, madrasas, and bustling markets. In particular, the iconic Chouara Tannery, where leather has been dyed and crafted since medieval times, offers a vivid connection to Fes's history as a major center of leatherwork.

Fes remains not only a historical treasure but also a vibrant, thriving city, embodying Morocco’s deep-rooted heritage while embracing the present.