Fès (Arabic Fas), city, northern Morocco, located in a narrow valley. A commercial and religious center, it is on the trade routes that link the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea with the countries south of the Sahara. Fès is divided into two parts, an old and a new town. Located in the city are textile and flour mills, oil-processing plants, tanneries, soap factories, and a large handicraft industry. The fez, a brimless, cylindrical felt hat, takes its name from the city.
The city was founded in AD 808 by the Moroccan ruler Idris II, who built the celebrated mosque of Mulai Idris. This shrine is considered so sacred that non-Muslims and animals may not approach its entrance. Also in Fès is the great Qarawiyin Mosque, the largest in Africa. Population (1994) 774,754.
