What if the cradle of human civilization wasn’t just about where we walked upright for the first time—but also where we first built cities, traded goods, and shaped society? Africa, often celebrated as the birthplace of humanity, is also home to some of the world’s oldest urban centers. But when we talk about the oldest African city, one place rises above the rest: Fès (Fez), Morocco—an ancient metropolis that continues to thrive after more than 1,200 years.The Oldest African City
This article dives deep into the oldest African city, uncovering its history, culture, and how it still influences Africa’s identity today.
What Makes a City “Oldest”?
Before diving into Fez’s incredible story, it’s important to define what we mean by the oldest African city. We’re not just looking for ancient ruins or early settlements. We’re looking for a city that:
- Has been continuously inhabited for centuries
- Played a significant role in political, economic, or religious life
- Holds a preserved urban structure and cultural legacy
With these criteria in mind, while places like Carthage (Tunisia), Aksum (Ethiopia), and Meroë (Sudan) are ancient, they no longer function as cities in the same way they once did. Fez, on the other hand, has maintained its identity as a living city for over a millennium.
Why Fez is Considered the Oldest African City
A Glimpse Into the Past
Fez was founded in 789 CE by Idris I, the great-great-great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and later expanded by his son Idris II. It quickly became a center of Islamic learning, trade, and culture in North Africa. Located in present-day Morocco, it served as the capital under multiple dynasties, including the Idrisids, the Marinids, and the Almoravids.
“Fez is not just an ancient city—it is a beating heart that has never stopped,” says Dr. Ali El-Mansour, historian of Islamic North Africa.
Fez is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 CE, which is considered by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman, it symbolizes the progressive and intellectual roots of the city.
The Ancient Medina: A Time Capsule of Urban Africa
The Medina of Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of the world’s largest urban pedestrian zones. Winding alleys, open-air souks, artisan quarters, mosques, and madrasas create a living museum of medieval urban planning.
Key landmarks include:
- Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Tanneries of Chouara – still operating with centuries-old methods
- Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) – a gateway into the city’s historical soul
Comparisons: Other Ancient Cities of Africa
| City | Country | Founded | Status | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fez | Morocco | 789 CE | Still thriving | Learning, religion, architecture |
| Carthage | Tunisia | 9th century BCE | Ruins | Phoenician and Roman trade empire |
| Aksum | Ethiopia | 1st century CE | Historic site | Christianity, obelisks, ancient kingdom |
| Meroë | Sudan | 800 BCE | Archaeological site | Pyramids, Nubian culture |
| Timbuktu | Mali | 1100s CE | Partially inhabited | Manuscripts, trade routes, Islamic scholarship |
| Cairo | Egypt | 969 CE | Modern mega-city | Islamic architecture, ancient surroundings like Memphis |
While Carthage and Aksum may be older in origin, Fez’s uninterrupted habitation, preserved city structure, and cultural continuity secure its title as the oldest African city still alive today.
What Makes Fez Truly Unique?
1. A Spiritual and Intellectual Hub
Fez isn’t just a historical marvel. It was—and still is—a place where scholars, artisans, and traders from across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe gathered. It became one of Islam’s four holiest cities, alongside Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, because of its religious institutions and revered scholars.
The al-Qarawiyyin University helped shape philosophical, astronomical, and legal thought across the Islamic world. Its graduates influenced societies from Andalusia to Timbuktu.
2. Cultural Preservation
Unlike many ancient cities that have faded into memory, Fez remains vibrant. The city’s residents still practice age-old crafts like:
- Leather tanning using traditional dye pits
- Brass and copper engraving
- Ceramics with unique Moroccan patterns
This cultural resilience has made Fez a hub for UNESCO-supported conservation efforts and a destination for travelers and scholars alike.
3. Living Architecture
Fez’s Medina has over 9,000 narrow streets, most of which are too tight for cars. Every turn introduces visitors to intricately tiled mosques, riads (traditional homes), and fountains. It’s an immersive experience—a place where you live history rather than just see it behind glass.
Personal Reflections: Walking Through Time in Fez
As someone who has visited Fez, I can say it’s one of the few places where you feel like time pauses. I remember wandering through the Medina, overwhelmed by the scents of spices, the echo of prayer calls, and the sound of hammer-on-metal from artisans at work.
One moment that stuck with me was entering the Bou Inania Madrasa. The detail of the zellige tilework, the tranquility of the courtyard, and the sheer silence in the prayer hall made me feel connected not just to Moroccan history—but to the shared story of African civilization.
Why the Oldest African City Still Matters Today
Fez isn’t just about age. It’s about legacy. It represents:
- The intellectual depth of African cities
- The religious and cultural fusion of Arab, Berber, and African identities
- The sustainability of traditional urban models
In a world where modern cities race toward the future, Fez stands as a reminder of enduring wisdom. It offers solutions for sustainability, community living, and cultural preservation that modern cities often overlook.
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Conclusion: More Than a City—A Legacy
Fez isn’t just the oldest African city. It’s a living lesson in resilience, wisdom, and cultural pride. As you walk through its timeless alleys, you’re not just exploring a city—you’re stepping into a continuous story, one that shaped not only North Africa but the entire continent and beyond.
So whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or someone seeking deeper roots in African heritage, Fez offers an unforgettable journey into the soul of ancient Africa.
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