the gates, fortresses and towers of fez

(A map of the gates, fortresses and towers in the Old Medina Of Fez)

When a person talks about the cultural tourism in Fez, feels some solemnity as s/he is talking on a leading city in this type of tourism, not only on the level of Morocco, but also on both Islamic and universal levels; and for that reason, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site in 1981 as a formal acknowledgement of its worldwide value and cultural heritage.

Nowadays, it is noticeable the rising concentration of so many countries on their historical sites and whatever is connected to the cultural tourism, in order to make of them touristic products par excellence, ready to attract a huge number of tourists; as the case of Egypt with the “pyramids”, France with “le louvre museum”, Spain with “Al hambra palace”, or the United Mexican states with what is left from the “Mayan and Aztec” civilizations.

Being aware of that, I am really proud of the fact that Morocco by its turn is privileged with what is left from the civilizations and dynasties that have come across centuries, as monuments, historical sites…that Fez represents them in a harmonious and beautiful way; also, I am very enthusiast, to benefit from that great heritage touristically speaking; in one hand, identifying more and more our heritage and culture, and in the other hand, benefiting from it economically speaking.

So, I consider this modest blog, a trip with Fez across its great history, showing and identifying as well, an aspect of its cultural heritage, which is the military architecture demonstrated in the gates, fortresses and towers which had protected Fez in the past, and now contribute in the attraction of tourists, so that I will propose some ideas and solutions to enhance their present role.