Discover the Enchanting Fes Region

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haalak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa anta?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an araa al-qaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا أأكل اللحم
  [ana la aakol al-lahm]
• Cheers!صحتك
  [sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfaa, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [insarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iitisal bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iitisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daa'i]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد شراء...
  [uridu sharaa...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd al-si'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-saa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-saa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [al-saa'ah al-aashirah wa al-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-sabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [al-barahah]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnaan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalaathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaaniyah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn huwa/hiya...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-annwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tureeni (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati al-haafilah al-qadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirah (ila ...)]

Founded in 789 AD by Idris I, Fes is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. It was established as the capital of the Idrisid dynasty and quickly became a center of commerce, culture, and religion.

During the 9th and 10th centuries, under the rule of Idris II, Fes experienced rapid growth. The city became a hub for scholars, artisans, and traders, particularly known for its thriving medina and its position along important trade routes.

In the 13th century, the Marinid dynasty took control of Fes, ushering in a period of architectural and cultural flourishing. The Marinids invested heavily in building madrasas, mosques, and palaces, many of which still stand today.

Founded in 859 AD, Al-Qarawiyyin University is considered the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world. Under the Marinids, it became a prominent center of learning, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.

During the 16th century, the Saadian dynasty moved the capital to Marrakech, but Fes remained an important cultural and economic center. The city's architecture from this period reflects the Saadian influence, with intricate designs and beautiful gardens.

From 1912 to 1956, Fes was under French control as part of the French Protectorate in Morocco. This period saw the construction of the Ville Nouvelle (New City), blending French colonial architecture with traditional Moroccan styles.

Morocco gained independence from French colonial rule in 1956. Fes retained its status as a cultural capital, preserving its historical sites while modernizing its infrastructure and becoming a symbol of Moroccan heritage.

Fes Region is accessible via Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ), located about 15 kilometers south of the city of Fes. The airport has both international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service to reach your destination in the region. Alternatively, Fes is well-connected by train and bus services from major cities in Morocco, including Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier.

Within Fes Region, transportation options include taxis, buses, and rental cars. Petit taxis are small, blue-colored taxis that operate within the city of Fes and are metered. For longer distances, grand taxis (usually white) can be shared with other passengers. Public buses are an affordable way to get around, though they can be crowded. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, but be aware that driving in the medina can be challenging due to narrow streets.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and in rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Fes, so withdrawing cash is relatively easy. Currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus.

Fes Region is generally safe for tourists, but certain precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like markets and tourist attractions. The medina of Fes can be confusing to navigate, so consider hiring a local guide. Areas such as the outer parts of the medina and isolated neighborhoods should be avoided after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 19 for police, 15 for ambulance services, and 15 for fire emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Fes has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical help. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, ensure you are appropriately dressed and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Fes Region like a local, visit the souks (markets) where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Moroccan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the tanneries, where you can see traditional leather-making processes. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the historic medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow alleyways and hidden gems.