Fes - the ancient imperial city of Morocco

With a population of one million people, Fes is the third largest city in Morocco and one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in 859 AD. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West", the "Athens of Africa" and is said to be the spiritual capital of Morocco. There are many different parts of Fes, but my tour mostly consisted of the old medina. The old medina is actually older than the city itself, founded circa 808 AD, and houses the oldest university in the world (which we unfortunately did not get to go into). 

This is Bab Bou Jeloud, the Blue Gate of Fes and the entrance to the old medina. Through the gate you can see two minarets belonging to the mosques inside the medina. Disclaimer: Wikipedia took this picture, not me.

Our first steps in the medina after passing through Bab Bou Jeloud. The two minarets are in the center. 

Part of the souk we passed through. I had to take the picture at a weird angle because a lot of shopkeepers do not like to have their pictures taken and will make you pay in return for stealing their soul with your camera. True story.

This part of the souk sold mostly food, like dates.

The local deli. Anyone care for some lamb? Yes those are brains on the far left. Mmmmmmmmm.

The Bou Inania Madrasa built in 1351-1356 AD and served three purposes: a school, mosque, and dormitory.

Two of the distinct features of the medrasa are its calligraphy and mosaics. 

Fes is also famous for its tanneries. These are some of the views from the balcony of the one we visited. The picture below shows the area where the bags and other products are dyed. 

You cannot come to Morocco and not look at carpets. So we did. All of the carpets are very unique and some that are made out of cactus are even fireproof.

The view of Fes from atop the carpet shop.

By the end of the Fes trip I felt like I'd been here a month. It had only been a week. I decided I should probably start to try and fit in.