Fez: Culture, Tradition, and a Disputed Past

Sitting lower than the surrounding hills, the medina of Fez glistens its paths in chaotic patterns that only someone born there would begin to navigate. As one of the last remaining, medieval cities in operation in the world, UNESCO rightfully decided to make the entire medina a heritage site. Their decision was based on the need to protect what many feel represents the heart of Moroccan culture, tradition, and history.

Eco-friendly Travel in Morocco

Countries around the world are exploiting their natural resources, most often for quick economic gains without looking towards the future. Morocco has gone under heated scrutiny for its deforestation practices in the Middle Atlas Mountains, for example, but in recent years non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and even grants from Europe have been helping Morocco protect its most beautiful resources.

Adventure Travel in Morocco

Traveling south east of Agadir and near Ait Baha, those looking for some great trekking and cultural enlightenment might head for Tafraoute. Many travel guides agree that the town is of little interest itself. However, over the last few years, it has seen a rapid increase in tourism, namely due to its location – a base camp where hikers can explore the surrounding heaps of pink, red, and coffee-brown rocks, bluffs, and small cliffs.

Taza and Gouffre du Friouato

During the reigning era of the Almohad and Merenid dynasties, Taza was the capital of Morocco. Because of its key location directly in between the Rif Mountains and the Middle Atlas, those who controlled this city, also controlled the trade going on in between them. The area in between the two mountains is known as the Taza Gap and was pinpointed and captured by none other than Moulay Idriss before he headed through Fez and resided in his fortress in Meknes.