Cultural
Médina de Fès
Maroc
Photo : just_a_cheeseburger (CC BY 2.0)
Located in northeastern Morocco, this medieval medina represents one of the oldest and best-preserved urban centres in the Arab world. The site's intricate layout comprises narrow winding streets, traditional riads, and numerous monuments including mosques, madrasas, and souks that reflect centuries of Islamic and Moroccan architectural traditions. Its UNESCO inscription recognises the medina as an outstanding testimony to urban planning and social organisation from the medieval period, as well as the continuity of traditional crafts and commercial activities that persist within its boundaries. The settlement is characterised by its dense, organic street pattern and the integration of water management systems that remain functional after centuries of use. The medina's cultural significance extends to its role as a major centre of learning and trade throughout the Islamic world, evidenced by its religious institutions and market structures that have sustained the community across generations.
