MOROCCO: Fez Is a Shoppers Paradise

Founded in the 9th century, Fez is the second largest city in Morocco with a population of about 1.3 million (2022). 

Fez is home to the University of Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 859AD and is believed to be the world’s oldest continuously functioning university. 

The medina of Fez (Fes el Bali) dates back to the 9th century and is the largest medina in North Africa. 

It is also the oldest and largest medieval city in the world.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The medina is recognized as one of the best preserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. 

It is also one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones with a maze of narrow streets. 

If you enjoy shopping, Fez is one of the cities in Morocco where you should come with lots of cash and an empty suitcase. 

There are streets lined with food souks.

There are souks with everything you could ever want.

 

There are some souks with some things you didn't know you wanted.

Bill Donovan

Bettie and Bill Donovan

Bettie Donovan

Marie Frederick

And some souks with things you doubt you will EVER want.

The leather tanneries are a unique part of the Fes culture and date back to medieval times.

There is an entire area dedicated to the leather tanneries. In the first set of vats on the left, the skins are cured using archaic ingredients, including cow urine, quicklime, and pigeon feces.  

The smell of ammonia and raw hide is strong and before we went out to the viewing platform they handed us all a sprig of mint. I wouldn't say it made it smell any better.

After the skins have been cured they go into the vats with dye. 

These poor workers get right into the vats and slosh the leather skins around.

Surprisingly, the viewing platforms around the tannery are also all connected to leather shops making it very convenient to purchase leather goods. 

Nish Jogia

Marie Frederick

It can be pretty easy to spend a lot of cash and fill a suitcase.

Unfortunately, I have to live out of one suitcase plus a small carry-on, which means purchasing anything is NOT on my agenda.

This makes someone very happy.