Exploring the Ancient Maze of Fes el Bali

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aatharana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhir. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'injlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu 'an 'ara alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu 'an 'adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atasal bialsurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [atasal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awadu 'an 'ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafaraj]
• How much is it?كم سعرها؟
  [kam siroha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hadha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfid alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة والنصف
  [alsaa walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [assabah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adhdhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sitah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 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'awn?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an tureeni (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata yaati alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tadhkirat ('iilaa...)]

Fes was founded in 789 AD by Idris I, the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Fes el Bali (Old Fes) emerged as the original city, distinguished by its medina, which became a center of Islamic scholarship and culture. The neighborhood's layout, characterized by narrow winding streets and bustling souks, reflects the urban planning of the time, designed to facilitate trade and community interaction.

During the 9th to 13th centuries, Fes el Bali flourished as a leading cultural and intellectual hub in the Muslim world. The establishment of the University of al-Qarawiyyin in 859 AD, recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing university, attracted scholars, philosophers, and travelers. This period solidified Fes's status as a center of learning, resulting in architectural advancements and the creation of numerous madrasas and mosques.

In the 13th century, the Marinid dynasty took control of Fes, leading to a significant expansion of Fes el Bali. The construction of new mosques, madrasas, and the famous Bou Inania Madrasa in the 14th century showcased the architectural prowess of the era. The Marinids transformed the city into a fortified hub, enhancing its defenses and further establishing Fes as a prominent city in North Africa.

By the 17th century, Fes el Bali experienced a period of decline due to political instability and shifting trade routes. However, the 19th century saw a resurgence with the arrival of European powers and increased trade. Restoration efforts began, focusing on the preservation of the city's historical architecture and cultural significance, which laid the groundwork for Fes's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

In contemporary times, Fes el Bali faces challenges such as urbanization and tourism pressures. However, local initiatives aimed at preserving its rich cultural heritage are evident. The neighborhood remains a vibrant living museum, where traditional crafts, culinary arts, and festivals continue to thrive, reflecting the enduring spirit of the city and its people.

Fes el Bali is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Fes. You can take a taxi or a shared taxi (grand taxi) to reach the medina from Fes Ville Nouvelle, which is about 3 kilometers away. Buses also run frequently, with routes connecting the main areas. If arriving by train, the Fes railway station is the closest, and you can take a taxi or a bus to the medina.

Fes el Bali is best explored on foot due to its narrow alleys and pedestrian zones. While bicycles are permitted in some areas, they can be challenging to navigate in the old medina. Taxis are available for longer distances, but be sure to negotiate a fare beforehand. Local buses run to various parts of Fes, but schedules may be irregular.

Fes el Bali is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to remain vigilant. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially near popular attractions like the Bou Inania Madrasa and the tanneries. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may lead you to tourist traps.

In case of an emergency, dial 19 for police assistance or 15 for ambulance services. The main hospital in Fes is Hôpital Al Arabi, located a short taxi ride away from the medina. Keep a list of local emergency contacts and your accommodations' address handy. It's also wise to have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques and religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs; always remove shoes before entering homes or mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and give your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Salam' (peace) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience Fes el Bali like a local, visit the souks early in the morning when they are less crowded and vibrant with vendors setting up their stalls. Engage with local artisans, especially in the leather and pottery workshops. Discover hidden gems by wandering off the main paths, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions or recommendations. Sampling traditional mint tea in a local cafe is a must for an authentic experience.