**Historical Development**:
– Fez was founded in 789 by Idris I, the founder of the Idrisid dynasty.
– The city saw the establishment of settlements like al-ʿĀliyā and Madinat Fas.
– Fez was ruled by various dynasties like the Zenata Maghrawa tribe, Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids, Saadis, and Alawis.
– Each dynasty left its mark on Fez through architectural developments, fortifications, and intellectual advancements.
– Fez underwent periods of neglect and revival under different rulers, shaping its current architectural landscape.
**Architectural and Urban Highlights**:
– Fez consists of two medina quarters, Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, alongside a modern urban area.
– The Medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban zones globally.
– Notable structures in Fez include the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the Chouara Tannery, and various madrasas built by the Marinids.
– Fez reached its architectural peak during the Marinid era, showcasing Moorish and Moroccan architectural styles.
– Monuments and structures in Fez were restored and rebuilt over the centuries, with the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II being a significant example.
**Political and Social Influence**:
– Fez faced conflicts with tribes like the Udayas but regained stability under certain rulers.
– The elites of Fez had close associations with ruling sultans, influencing the city’s political dynamics.
– Sufi orders like the Tijani order were established in Fez, contributing to its spiritual and intellectual scene.
– Fez played a central role in political events like the Hafidhiya civil war.
– French colonial rule impacted Fez, leading to the preservation of historic monuments and the creation of urban divides.
**Geography and Demographics**:
– Fez is divided between Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, with the Ville Nouvelle as the modern area.
– The city is located in a valley along the Oued Fes, with the Saïs plain to the west and south.
– Fez’s population was around 1.1 million in 2014, with Islam as the predominant religion.
– The city had a significant Jewish population in the past, but emigration led to a decline, with less than 200 Jewish residents in 2001.
– Fez experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with winter temperatures around 15°C and summer highs reaching 34.5°C.
**Post-Independence and French Colonial Impact**:
– Fez saw demographic shifts post-independence, with bourgeois classes moving to cities like Casablanca and Rabat.
– The influence of French colonial policies continued after independence, impacting urban development and preservation efforts.
– Fez’s historic walled cities were preserved as medinas, with the French shifting the administrative capital to Rabat.
– Moroccan nationalists protested against the colonial regime, highlighting tensions between old and new city structures.
– Fez experienced slow population growth until the late 1960s, reflecting changing demographic trends post-colonial rule.
