Fès: The Roots of Moroccan Culture - Ep. 8

04/15/22 • 51 min

Fès: The original. Where everything started.
The first imperial capital, the roots of Moroccan culture, famous for its mixing of religious and cultural heritage.
The capital city of Moroccan crafts, from carvings and jewellery to tanneries, and a former political capital as one of the four Imperial cities of Moroccan royalty.
Our episode today explores the medina, the souks, madrassas and Jewish heritage sites of Fès, a city reknowned for its multicultural influences. It's always at the top of the list for any international traveller, and indeed part of the charm is in its mystique and labyrinthian streets.
But we don't want you to get too lost, so our episode today helps you prepare and get your bearings, before you start to wander.
You're about to learn:

The three principal tourist areas of Fès:

Fès el Bali (the old city).
- Fès el Jdid (the new city) and the neighbouring Jewish Quarter.
- La Ville nouvelle (the modern city).

Why the houses may seem plain on the outside, but are so beautiful on the inside.
Fès' Jewish heritage, and how Berber, Jewish and Arab cuisines mixed together.
Some of the local delicacies, particularly cooked salads and Moroccan pastilla.
The traditional black ovens used to cook bread and filo pastries.
The importance of madrassas (Koranic schools), and how you can visit them.

For more show notes, including Azdean's recommendations of souks, madrassas and museums to visit when you're in Fès, go to the episode page:
https://www.destinationmoroccopodcast.com/fes-the-roots-of-moroccan-culture-ep-8/

This Episode is sponsored by:
Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.

https://www.travelanywhere.travel/
Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Fès, Morocco
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fès
Follow, Share and Participate:

Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website

Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!

Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

Help us grow: Rate us on Spotify

Become a Guest on the Show!

Visit Destination Morocco Travel Agency

The three principal tourist areas of Fès:

Fès el Bali (the old city).
- Fès el Jdid (the new city) and the neighbouring Jewish Quarter.
- La Ville nouvelle (the modern city).

Why the houses may seem plain on the outside, but are so beautiful on the inside.
Fès' Jewish heritage, and how Berber, Jewish and Arab cuisines mixed together.
Some of the local delicacies, particularly cooked salads and Moroccan pastilla.
The traditional black ovens used to cook bread and filo pastries.
The importance of madrassas (Koranic schools), and how you can visit them.

This Episode is sponsored by:
Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.

https://www.travelanywhere.travel/
Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Fès, Morocco
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fès
Follow, Share and Participate:

Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website

Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!

Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts

Help us grow: Rate us on Spotify

Become a Guest on the Show!

Visit Destination Morocco Travel Agency

Previous Episode

Discover Essaouira, Morocco's Coastal Gem

Welcome to the stunning oceanside city of Essaouira, located southwest of Casablanca, due west of Marrakesh, and midway down the Atlantic coast of Morocco.
In this episode, Azdean welcomes Xavier Panadés, owner of the riad "Riad Zahra," which sits but one block from Essaouira's stunning beach and oceanfront promenade. Xavier has Moroccan roots, but grew up in Barcelona, before returning to Morocco, settling in Essaouira and opening his Riad about 16 years ago.
Essaouira has many claims to fame, perhaps none more important or poignant than as a melting pot of cultures and religions. Arabs, Jews and Christians have lived together harmoniously for hundreds of years, a source of pride for the locals, known as swiriyin and swiriyat.
Xavier gives us some background on things to see and do in Essaouira, local dishes, spices and markets, and the story behind his beautiful riad, which combines Moroccan and Spanish cuisine and influences.
You're about to learn:
- About Essaouira's Game of Thrones connection. Orson Welles too.
- About Riad Zahra, just 2 minutes' walk from the beach.
- Check out the amazing Live Webcam!!
- The Gnaoua International Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the world.
- The Hiloula Jewish festival, commemorating Rabbi Haim Pinto.
The special tagines of Essaouira:
- eel tagine
- octopus tagine

Useful, valuable tips for buying Argan oil, Olive oil and even Moroccan honey. Look for the new official government label to ensure quality control.
- How Essaouira is a haven for Thuya wood and Argan trees.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Essaouira map

The Essaouira live cam

Argan oil

Thuya tree

Gnawa music

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

Next Episode

Planning Your Destination Wedding in Morocco

Siham Nkonda joins us today to share her insight as a wedding and events planner, based out of Marrakech with her company, La Perle Bespoke Events.

Morocco is consistently named one of the world's top wedding destinations (Harper's Bazaar, Brides.com, Pinterest Magazine and more), being a country with so many options for vibrant locations, cultural activities and stunning photographs.

As an overseas excursion for most, it is the type of wedding that will likely require the knowledge and expertise of an experienced local wedding planner, and Siham's passion is to be just that.

You're About to Learn:

How it takes a lot of people behind the scenes, a great network of collaborators, to prepare a destination wedding: videographers, photographers, vendors, caterers and more.
Who Siham's typical clients are, and why, and the types of wedding packages she offers.
The story of henna, how it's done and what role it plays during Moroccan weddings.
Who the Negafa is, and how important she is for the bride.
The different types of kaftan dresses and how they fit into the ceremony.
When to start planning, and how far in advance.
Why Siham puts an emphasis on local sourcing and themes for her events.

If you're considering something different, exotic, exciting and unique for your wedding, there are few places more enchanting than Morocco. This episode is the perfect place to get started on your dreaming and planning!

This Episode is sponsored by:

Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.

https://www.travelanywhere.travel/

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Siham's own wedding: stunning photos!
Who is the Negafa? Instagram story
What is the Ammaria? Instagram story
Henna tattoos: Process and presentation

Follow, Share and Participate:

Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website

Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.