Fez, Morocco

Fez (French: Fès; Arabic: فاس‎; Berber: Fas, ⴼⴰⵙ) is the second largest city of Morocco, with a population of 1.1 million (2014).

Fez was the capital of modern Morocco until 1925, and is now the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. The city has two old medina quarters, the larger of which is Fes el Bali. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world's largest car-free urban areas.University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859, is the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa".

History

Etymology

The Middle Atlas mountains near the Fez city is called "Fazaz", and a small town west from Meknes is called Ait Fazzaz.

The word "فأس, Fa's" means 'Pickaxe' in Arabic, which legends say Idriss I used when he created the lines of the city. One noticeable thing was that the pickaxe was made from silver and gold.

During the Idrissid rule, Fez consisted of two cities or medinas: Fas Elbali, founded by Idris I, and Al-'Aliya, founded by his son, Idris II. During Idrisid rule the capital city was known as Al-'Aliya, with the name Fas being reserved for the separate site on the other side of the river; no Idrisid coins have been found with the name Fez, only al-'Aliya and al-'Aliya Madinat Idris. It is not known whether the name al-'Aliya was ever referred to both medinas. It wasn't until 1070 that the two agglomerations were united and the name Fas was used for the sites.

Morocco

Morocco (ⁱ/məˈrɒkoʊ/; Arabic: المغرب‎ al-Maġrib; Berber: ⵍⵎⴰⵖⵔⵉⴱl'Meġrib; French: Maroc), officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior and large portions of desert. It is one of only three countries (with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah (Arabic: المملكة المغربية‎, meaning "The Western Kingdom") and Al-Maghrib (Arabic: المغرب‎, meaning "The West") are commonly used as alternate names.

Morocco has a population of over 33.8 million and an area of 446,550 km² (172,410 sq mi). Its political capital is Rabat, although the largest city is Casablanca; other major cities include Marrakesh, Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Fes, Agadir, Meknes, Oujda, Kenitra, and Nador. A historically prominent regional power, Morocco has a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its distinct culture is a blend of Arab, indigenous Berber, Sub-Saharan African, and European influences.

Morocco Pavilion at Epcot

The Morocco Pavilion is a Morocco-themed pavilion that is part of the World Showcase, within Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It was the first expansion pavilion to be added to World Showcase, opening on September 7, 1984.

Its location is between the Japanese and French Pavilions.

Layout

The Morocco Pavilion, designed to look like a Moroccan city with a realistic Minaret, features the only pavilion in which the country's government aided in the design. Guests to the pavilion gain insight on the lifestyle and culture of the Moroccan people through the Gallery of Arts and History. The Fes House shows guests the typical Moroccan house. Inside the pavilion, North African plants including citrus trees, date palms, and olive trees, and fountains can be seen. The courtyard plays hosts to entertainment, including a belly dancing show in the evening. Restaurant Marrakesh, along with the Tangierine Cafe, serve Moroccan fare, including roast lamb in Tajine, Couscous, and Harira soup. Six shops adorn the pavilion, selling patrons everything from rugs to leather goods, and traditional Moroccan clothing.

Morocco (disambiguation)

Morocco is a country in Africa.

Morocco may also refer to:

See also: