Morocco marks 1200th anniversary in city of Fez
2008-04-08
A city-wide party in Fez last Saturday drew thousands of Moroccans eager to celebrate twelve centuries of history. Hundreds of musical performers and a visual extravaganza showcased Morocco's cultural diversity.
By Mawassi Lahcen for Magharebia in Casablanca – 07/04/08
 [Mawassi Lahcen] Singer Françoise Atlan (right) in a traditional Moroccan Jewish dress, and singer Majida El Yahyaoui (left) in a traditional Moroccan Islamic dress, perform during celebrations of Fez's 1200th anniversary. |
Moroccans converged on Fez last weekend to celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the city's foundation and the country's beginnings. The historic city, known as the "cultural and spiritual capital of the Islamic West," was established in its current location in 808 AD by King Idris II, the ancestor of Morocco's current King Mohammed VI.
Part of the ancient city wall parallel to Bab Boujloud square was turned into an enormous cinema screen for an audio-visual extravaganza on Saturday (April 5th). In a panoramic review of 12 centuries of Moroccan history entitled "Harmonious Square", images projected onto a 160-metre long screen showed how the convergence of Arab, Islamic, Amazigh, Hebrew, African and Sahrawi cultural currents shaped the country's identity.
Some of the scenes chosen to represent modern history showed demonstrations against human rights abuses in Morocco, protests in Casablanca calling for women's rights and rallies condemning terrorism.
Hundreds of performers entertaining the large audience ranged from rap artists to a Spanish Flamenco band. The crowd buzzed to duets from Moroccan Majida El Yahyaoui and Jewish-Algerian singer Françoise Atlan, who blended Hebrew and Arabic in Moroccan Malhoun songs. Revellers also enjoyed Gnaoua music from Moroccan bandleader Hamid El Kasri and Malian singer Oumo Sangari's mix of Moroccan and African slang.
There was even a musical with an anti-terrorism theme which called on the country's youth to pursue freedom, tolerance and love instead of bombings.
The big, open-air celebration drew thousands of Moroccans eager to celebrate their long history. Fez hotels were filled to capacity, with many visitors forced to stay in nearby Meknès, Moulay Yacoub and Sidi Harazem.
In a message to celebrants read by Prince Moulay Rachid, King Mohammed VI said the anniversary commemorated the foundation of Morocco as an independent state unified by moderate Sunni Islam, a diverse population and a mutual allegiance between the throne and the people. For 12 centuries, he said, Fez has been a unique model for the co-existence of civilizations and cultures.
Saad Kettani, the high commissioner of the association responsible for planning Fez's 1200th anniversary gala, told Magharebia that the celebration would continue throughout 2008. More than 20 national and international festivals will highlight the history of Morocco, its pluralistic identity and the wealth of its civilisation and culture, he said.
Kettani added, "Our primary goal is the youth. We want them to grasp their history and the elements of their identity; to be proud of their Moroccanness, and of their affiliation to this unique mix of cultures and civilisations that lives in accord, harmony and peace."
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Zeguendi Khalil Posted 2008-04-08
The medina in Fez has changed its looks for the worse. The artisans who worked on the streets long ago and showed off their beautiful wares have almost all been replaced by traders of low-quality products one might find in the everyday souks. The central boulevards converging on the royal palace, on the other hand, have been much improved and have flourished. Bab Boujloud and the surrounding areas only have gloomy cafés and snack bars unworthy of such a beautiful place. As for Al Qarawiyine, it is an excellent idea to keep the doors wide open to foreign visitors.
champion Posted 2008-04-08
“In harmony,” you say!? Then where did 99.9 per cent of the Jews of Fez go?
فاطمة Posted 2008-04-09
This topic deserves reading.
Etaim Posted 2008-04-09
For those who are like me and have visited and know the city, Fez is the most beautiful one in the world. The Jewish quarter, cemetery and synagogues are still there in Fez. The Jews all left for Israel with the help of the French in the 1950s. Those that remained behind were forced to go to Canada and the United States in exile. That was the affair that caused the Jews to leave the Arab world. In Morocco, we can reproach the state and the Moroccans for a lot of things, but the institutions have always defended the Moroccan Jews in the worst moments of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Moroccan Israeli Jews can visit and even move back to Morocco without causing any discomfort to the Moroccans (with the exception of the religious extremists). Morocco is a lot more tolerant towards the Jews than Israel is towards the Palestinians. Moroccans differentiate the Moroccan Jews from the Zionists and authors, treating them as Moroccans. There is no one more tolerant than the Moroccans.
amazigh Posted 2008-04-12
instead of celebrating the 1200 anniversary of the foundation of the city of fez by the establishment of idriss or moulak idriss they should have called it the 1200 year of the arab occupation of the amazigh land. morocco a land of tolerance to the westerners who support the regime and an element of oppression to the majority of moroccans the majority of whom are berbers who haven't even the right to call their children by an amazigh land.abrour waji tolerance
djaouti mohamed cherif Posted 2008-04-16
In the name of God and peace be upon his Prophet Mohammed; This event was deeply touching. Your message for peace is good and of significant simplicity. This is to say, if your success in the history and the promotion of peace is destined to a unite with the other, very influential circle. For example, there is my colleague and brother Amr Khaled Al Mahdi Al Dil, who is well-known for his opening of a dialogue between religion and civilization, between drugs and holiness, between men and women, between humans. It is for this reason that I suggest you invite him to the Maghreb, not so that you can only listen to him and not speak, but to realise in a sweet, safe background a better historical and cultural climate of anti-terrorism. Indeed, my brother Amr Khaled Al Mahdi Al Dil, is a great pacifist. Indeed, he is for peace throughout the world. He has call on us to groom our young people in non-violence, even in the football sports stadiums and their likes. My dear brother, Amr Khaled Al Mahdi Al Dil, I tell you a thousand greetings from Algeria. Signed, Al Mahdi Al Montador Al massih Al Mahdi, (Lyes)
moroccan girl Posted 2008-04-19
salam, i have not attended that ceremony but i do not think that we need celebrate stupid things such 1200 years of this stupid city!!!!!! is like there are no problems in tht country to talk abt!!!!
bohemid Posted 2008-04-21
Thank you Amazigh people of the Rif, 2009 a protest in the Rif, human rights, the young people of the Rif have no future they must solve this problem.
manal Posted 2008-06-25
The city of Fez is one of the most beautiful Moroccan cities which I like because there are nice people in it. Its civilization is even nicer. It deserves all the respect and esteem from us not only because it is the greatest city for me but also its climate is nice even if it is very hot in the summer. But it is nice. I thank you for reading. Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.
lgadiri Posted 2008-07-01
This city highlights everything that is beautiful in the history of Morocco. Moroccans are proud of their history and their ancestors, whom they celebrate. Long live the Morocco of the Chleuhs, Arabs and Sahrawis! Long live our Morocco and our 12 centuries of glorified existence!
karim Posted 21 days ago
Fez is a beautiful city. It is getting better bit by bit.
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