Fes Things to Do

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The Bab Boujeloud is the famous gate which leads into the Medina. It was only built in 1913 which makes it quite modern compared to many of the others. The mosaics surrounding the exterior side of the gate are in the traditional blue of Fez. Once on the other side you will see them in green (being the colour of Islam). The gate was built to celebrate the completion of the Fez el Jedid (new Fez) and also retaining the Fez el Bali (old Fez).

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There are a few large fountains interconnecting major roads in the city but probably the most decorative are the some 60 or more public fountains which you may come across within the walls of the Medina. These are used for the residents and most are located close to the mosques. A lot were built but wealthy merchants and even princes and range anything from a simple basin to beautifully tiled fountains sheltered by elaborately carved coverings.

Mohamed Kacimi is an artist born in Morocco in 1942. He began painting from the age of 15. His works have been exhibited in France and the Arab world. His gallery is in Fez and hosts anything from music events to photography exhibitions such as the National Exhibition of Photographic Art.

The American Fondouk has operated in Fes since 1927 as a free veterinary service caring for the animals in Fez. The hospital was founded by a former President of the American Humane Assn, Sidney Coleman after he was made aware of the poor state of health of the working animals in Morocco. The Fondouk treats something like 22,000 animals annually. They have their own laboratory and surgery for routine procedures.

Throughout the medina there are public water fountains for use by anyone in the Medina. These fountains are lavish in design and detail with some still in daily use. I would not drink water from the fountain and be wary about where you obtain bottled water as recycled bottles with local water are sold within the medina.

This photo tells the story! The medina still retains retailers who operate unchanged from how their great grandparents worked centuries ago. The produce looked extremely fresh and good quality. There was no need for the mobile phone, loud music, flashing lights or fast talk.

There are scenes like this everywhere within the medina, much blocked by the crowds, just walk slowly and keep sharp eyes, you will enjoy what you see.

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We took a morning guided tour through the medina and halfway through were taken to an upmarket local artisans shop to witness a demonstration by a young craftsman. We enjoyed the demonstration and acknowledged the skill of the young craftsman, recognising his ability to memorise patterns, level of concentration and the reliance on his eye and basic tools which remain unchanged over the centuries.

The amount of eye stain generated by the detailed work would have caused problems for earlier generations, however I expect present generations would have the benefit of modern glasses as their eyesight deteriorated.

We appreciated the break from the crush of the streets.

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Whilst moving through the Fes-El-Bali medina we stopped at the Medersa Attarine which was founded by Abu Said in 1325. We were allowed to enter the courtyard and view the beautiful building covered with tiles laid in traditional patterns. Although we did not enter the room we were able to glimpse sections of some rooms.

This medersa is maintained in excellent condition and well worth visiting.