(MENAFN- Morocco World News) Fez is the oldest of Morocco's four Imperial Cities and regarded by many as the 'real Morocco'the soul of the kingdom.
Travelers and architecture enthusiasts consider it the most beautiful Imperial City exuding medieval magic with its labyrinth-shaped Medina unique Arabesque infrastructures and colorful historical sites. Located in north-central Morocco Fez was founded on a bank of the Jawhar river by Idriss I in 789 founder of the Idrisid dynasty. His son Idris II built a settlement on the other side of the river in 808. Two walled autonomous sites grew into what is now known as 'Old Fez' and 'New Fez'. The city became a major center of religion culture and learning also called the 'Mecca of the West' and the 'Athens of Africa' for its historic monuments madrasas and mosques. A short documentary by British Pathe Pictures presents the beauty and lifestyle of Fez in 1960 where the essence of the Middle Ages was ever present. Fez means 'pickaxe' in Arabic derived from the city's beginnings when the king used a silver and gold pickaxe to dig its foundation. The most colorful and animated markets are in Fez where the true spirit of the city comes to life year-round the same way it did for hundreds for years and does today vibrantly. The video captured the life of the 'Fassi' as its residents are called. Wearing white traditional 'djellaba' and red fez hats men walk the narrow streets of the city where time seems to have stood still. Hard-working residents skilled in commerce and trade Fez's markets are bustling with people and donkeys as means of transportation throughout 'Old Fez'. A city where various architectural influences are evident in its infrastructures ranging from venerable Arabesque mosques to modern restaurants where “believe it or not no chairs or tables to be seen of course because the customers sit on cushions on the ground” the narrator describes. Fine examples of craftsmanship produced by the locals are greatly appreciated by tourists who are always marveled at the intricacy and uniqueness of Fez's specialties. The documentary presents a young woman wearing a long gold satin coat and red fez hat at a market shop while her mother and a crowd of local people observe mesmerized. This kind of scenes can be witnessed across Fez where leatherwork embroidery and enamel ceramics are sold daily to tourists and Fassi alike. Plathe Pictures reveals the distinctive copperware made in Fez since the 10th century when the Imperial City was a metropolis of arts and crafts. Interestingly Fassi of the 900s 'bought peace from invading with a ransom of copper tapestry and leather' the documentary reveals. Although Morocco is a 'land of contrasts' Fez maintains its magical charm felt as one crosses through the ornate gates of the city.
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