Karima

2011-05-17T11:05:00.002+01:00

A private Riad in Marrakech, 10 min from jamaa lafna " the big square "
The Riad is based of 3 rooms each one with a private bath-room, one large salon ( traditionally decorated) all painted in the lovely red color of Marrakech. The kitchen is well equipped with hald European half Moroccan style, from the stairs near the kitchen you will find a way to a nice terrace over looking the city.
It’s time now to stay at a private palace with a very good rate.
For more information Please contact us @ karimainfez@gmail.com / +212 644 784 349.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-03T15:17:00.002+02:00

I AM HAPPY TO WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR with all my best wishes.

Ramdan Mubarak Said

2009-08-19T12:14:00.003+01:00

All Moroccans inside Fez and Out side it like all Muslims al around the world are getting ready to receive one of the most lovely guest: Ramdan is back. It is a fact that all Muslims love Ramdan as it is a holy month in which families have the opportunity to get together, and also an occasion to get close to Allah and behave ourselves in a way to get more modest and friendly and helpful towards one another and towards all humans.

Ramadan is a month where not only the body but also the soul feels free and clean, an important period of the year where our sense of brotherhood become more solid.

On this important occasion I wish to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the globe a very happy and healthy Ramdan, Praying to Allah to protect us and help us All to become better people and better Muslims , Amin.

Booking guides in Fez and trips to The Sahara of Morocco

2009-06-29T12:59:00.004+01:00

Karimainfez is providing a new kind of service to make your stay in Fez and Morocco an unforgettable experience.

We all know that Fez Medina is one of the most confusing places in Morocco if not in the World,and for tourists it is not easy to find their way around especially in their first few days, and the first thing they think of is a guid but sometimes the guid experience is not that fun because they don't take them to where they really want to go.

This experience may become a real joy if you get the right guide; young, dynamic and ready to share their culture with you. you don't need to worry any more about how much you have to pay the guide or if he is going to get a commission or not, all that you have to do is book a guide a few days before your arrival by sending us your exact arrival details and your phone number to: karimainfez@gmail.com or call +212 (0) 667 290 920.

We will email you a couple of information about the guide you will get, and when he will come to pick you up and we will also give you some ideas about the interesting places that you should not miss in Fez, and n Morocco.

Traveling around Morocco is also a service that Karima can help you with, we have all kind of cars and mini-bus and 4X4, especially if you are planning a trip to the Moroccan Sahara which can be a very exciting experience and being in the right means of transportation (AC, conformtable seats and a driver who can speak languages)make it perfect.

To book this service please send us your trip planning and your credit card details few days at least 15 days before your arrival.

OUR GOAL IS YOUR COMFORT AND HAPPINESS

The Festival Of Sufi Culture 2009

2009-03-22T12:35:00.005+02:00

Provisional Programme:

Saturday 18 April

16h00-17h00 INTRODUCTION
Faouzi Skali (Forum President)
Politics and the Economy: Levers towards Spirituality?

17h30-19h00 FORUM: A Soul for Globalisation - Round Table 1
Preventing the food crisis
Dominique Voynet, founder of green political and ecological movement, former Minister of Land Management & the Environment in France, senator for Seine-Saint-Denis Pierre Rabhi, writer, founder of 'Terre & Humanisme' movement Nouzha Skalli, Minister of Family Social Development & Solidarity Pascal Boniface, director of Institut de Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS) and professor at Institut d'Etudes Européenes

21h00-23h00 CONCERT
Mohammed Tarwat, Saad Tamsamani & Omar Sermini (Morocco/Egypt/Syria)
Songs of East and West

Sunday 19 April
09h00-12h00 FORUM: A Soul for Globalisation - Round Table 2
The end of capitalism?
Majid Rahnema, writer, former Minister of Science & Higher Education in Iran and professor at the American University of Paris Hervé de Charette, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Juppé government, writer Katherine Marshall, professor at Georgetown University, Director of the Forum, world leader faith and development Mohamed Berrada, former Minister of Finance and Moroccan Ambassador in Paris, professor of economics

16h00-17h00 CONCERT
Abir Nasraoui & Curro Piñana (Tunisia/Spain)
Tribute to Ibn Arabi

21h00-23h00 CONCERT
Abd al Malik (France/Congo)

Monday 20 April
09h00-12h00 FORUM: A Soul for Globalisation - Round Table 3
Body & Spirit
Henri Joyeux, professor at the Medical Faculty at Montpellier, initiator of the series 'Health, Love & Sexuality', writer Fanny Didiot-Abadi, psychotherapist, founder of the Centre Ethique International de Formations, and the Association Action Ethique Humanitaire

16h00-17h00 CONCERT
Les Rabia

21h00-23h00 PERFORMANCE
Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Brotherhood (Morocco)

Tuesday 21 April
09h00-12h00 DISCUSSION: The Manuscripts of Ibn Arabi
David Hornsby, member of the Ibn Arabi Society, Cambridge Denis Grill, writer on Islam, Ibn Arabi specialist

16h00-17h00 WORKSHOP: Body, art & spirituality Georges Stobbaerts, Aikido Grand Master, founder of the Tenchi Tessen movement Mbarek Alaoui, 8th Dan Aikido Master, disciple of Grand Master Georges Stobbaerts

21h00-23h00 PERFORMANCE
Charqawiyya Brotherhood (Morocco)

Wednesday 22 April
09h00-12h00 WORKSHOP: Poems in a Garden presented by Rajae Slaoui

16h00-17h00 CONCERT
Delgocha (Iran)

21h00-23h00 PERFORMANCE
Wazzaniyya & Saqalliyya Brotherhoods (Morocco)

Thursday 23 April
09h00-12h00 DISCUSSION: Sufism & the Reform of Islam Cheikh Khaled Bentounes
Eric Geoffroy, writer on Islam, Sufi specialist

16h00-17h00 CONCERT: Music & Chants of the Tidjanis Daouda Dieye followed by a discussion on the spiritual culture of Africa, with Aoua Bocar Ly Tall, sociologist, founding President of African Women's Network Salamatou Sow, researcher and teacher at the University of Niamey, working towards the knowledge and preservation of the Peul culture of Niger

21h00-23h00 PERFORMANCE
Alawiyya Brotherhood (Algeria)

Friday 24 April
16h00-17h00 FORUM: A Soul for Globalisation - Round Table 4
Democracy: the good and the bad
Assia Alaoui Bensalah, Moroccan roving Ambassador, Co-president of the Groupe des Sages pour le Dialogue des Peuples et des Cultures (EU), professor of law Emmanuel Todd, politician, demographer, sociologist and French essayist Benjamin Barber, politician and American writer, professor of Political Science at the University of Maryland, President of the international colloquium, Interdependent Day
Salman Shaikh Hassan Ibn Ayyoub

21h00-23h00 CONCERT
Cheikh Ahmad al-Tȗni (Egypt)

Saturday 25 April
09h00-12h00 FORUM: A Soul for Globalisation - Round Table 5
The civilisation of globalisation
Edgar Morin, writer, Research Director Emeritus at CNRS, promoter of a new vision of development known as the 'politics of civilisation'
Bariza Khiari, well-known commentator in French politics on Muslim culture, socialist senator for Paris, co-founder of Club 21ème Century Basma el Husseiny

16h00-17h00 CONCERT
Ali Alaoui (Morocco/France)
Moultaqa Salam

21h00-23h00 CONCERT
Taybah Ensemble, with Sabah Fakhri (Syria)
Tribute to Eva de Vitray-Meyerovitch

A companion or translator for the Sufi Culture Festival 2009

2009-03-21T15:58:00.004+02:00

Hello

My name is Karima, I was born and lived all my life in the old city of Fez: the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco; Right now I am working at Riad Alkantara.

I love to work in Tourism because it is an active field just where an active person like me can produce and be very creative; I also love to work with TV Crews and foreign writers, poets and Musicians.
I am a fan of Sufi Music and I enjoy working in the two most famous Festivals of Fez:

1- Festival of Sufi Culture
2- World sacred Music Festival

Those are my qualities:

- I am a Multi-lingual person as I do speak Arabic, English, and French.

- Fez-resident but well-travelled throughout Morocco.

- I have a good Experience working with TV crews, especially in setting up shoots & interviews.

- Finding 'talent' (experts and people to interview).

So if you are coming to attend to one of those festivals or shoot in Morocco, please don't hesitate to contact me at: 00212 6 67 29 09 20 " Or to email me at karimainfez@gmail.com

FES FESTIVAL OF WORLD SACRED MUSIC 2009

2009-02-02T11:38:00.004+02:00

FES FESTIVAL OF WORLD SACRED MUSIC
29 May - 6 June 2009
Provisional Programme

Friday 29 May Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €56; B seats €37)
Marcel Khalifé with the Al Mayadin Orchestra, with Oumeima Al

Khalil and Yolla Keryakos (Lebanon/Morocco/Greece)
Tribute to Mahmoud Darwich
Or
José Carreras (Spain)

Sacred Songs

Saturday 30 May Batha Museum 16h30 (€14)
Shantala Shivalingapa (India)
Kuchipudi Dance
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €47; B seats €28)
Marwa Wright (USA)
Gospel

Sunday 31 May Batha Museum 16h30 (€14)
Mohammad Motamedi (Iran)
Songs: The Art of Radif
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €37; B seats €19)
1st part: The Whirling Dervishes of Konya (Turkey)
From Eternity to Modernity
2nd part: Ziya Azazi (Turkey)
Icons: Contemporary Dervish Dance

Monday 1 June Batha Museum 16h30 (€9)
Yuval Ron with Najwa Gibran (USA)
Music in the Judeo-Arab Tradition
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €28; B seats €14)
Didier Lockwood (France) with his String Sextet,

with IhsanR'Miki and the Zaman al Wasl Ensemble (Morocco)
Strings & Soul a creation by Didier Lockwood
(arrangements: R. Regragui, Morocco)

Tuesday 2 June Batha Museum 16h30 (€9)
Women of Mayotte (Mayotte)
Deba de Hamjago
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €28; B seats €14)
Souad Massi (France/Algeria)

Wednesday 3 June
Batha Museum 16h30 (€9)
I Muvrini (France)
Sacred and popular songs from Corsica
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €28; B seats €14)
Keyvan Chemirani (musical director) with Samira Kadiri, Esperanza
Fernandez & Giorgis Xyloyris (Iran/Morocco/Spain/Greece)
Melos - Songs of the Mediterranean

Thursday 4 June Batha Museum 16h30 (€9)
Divna (Serbia)
Orthodox Sacred Songs
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €28; B seats €14)
1st part: Sistine Chapel Choir (Vatican)
A capella songs: the sacred Christian tradition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
2nd part: Abed Azrié with the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra & the
Choir of the Institut Spérieur de Musique de Damas (France/Syria)

Evangile selon St Jean

Friday 5 June Batha Museum 16h30 (€9)
Gabriel Garrido and the Elyma Ensemble (Switzerland)
Baroque Music of Monteverdi
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €56; B seats €37)
Sami Yussuf (United Kingdom)
Spiritual Songs of the Arab World

Saturday 6 June Batha Museum 16h30 (€14)
Razbar Ensemle and The Ahl e Haqq Brotherhoods
Mystical songs of Iranian Kurdistan
Bab Makina 20h30 (A seats €47; B seats €28)
Loreena McKennit (Canada)
The Book of Secrets

Festival Pass in A category seats, including access to all concerts €260
Pass for the Festival and the Colloquium €310
Pass for the Colloquium only €50

Ticket agency:
OBJECTIF MAROC 9 RUE DE LYBIE, FES

TEL : + 212 35 65 28 16/17/18

FAX : + 212 35 62 49 93/ 35 62 17 76

E.MAIL :objectif_naima@menara.ma

A fixer in Morocco

2009-01-26T13:57:00.008+02:00

Hello

I am Karima from Fez; I am working in the Mérinides Hotel as a commercial agent. I have chosen to work in Tourism because it is an active field just where an active person like myself should be, because I consider myself a people person; However, I love to work with TV Crews as a fixer. Being a fixer enables me to know many things, and go through many experiences.I have worked with the BBC and Al jazeera English and they were both a very successful experience: for me as a fixer and for them as a TV Channel. I have enjoyed working with them and they have appreciated my work. Please go through my blog to get more information about this.Those are my qualities- I am a Multi-lingual person as I do speak Arabic, English, and French.- Fez-resident but well-travelled throughout Morocco.- I have a good Experience working with TV crews and especially in setting up shoots & interviews.- Finding 'talent' (experts and people to interview).Working as a fixer for me is a hobby that I enjoy,that I am willing to adopt as a profession in the Future, so if you are coming to shoot in Morocco don't hesitate to contact me at : 00212 667 29 09 20 " Or to email me at karimainfez@gmail.com

A professional team

2008-12-24T18:59:00.002+02:00

It was a dream which became a reality that I am so proud of.
Watching Al Jazeera “Arabic or English” is always a pleasure, but working with them was one of my greatest dreams. I never thought that one day I will have the opportunity to work for Al Jazeera International until the day I received an email from “Leila lack “the director producer of the crew was coming to shoot in Fez, and I have directly accept her offer.
I worked with them as a fixer and a translator for 12 days and I can say that it was such a pleasure. They were a very nice people and a very professional team. They were very honest and kind to everyone around them.
I believe that: WE, AS A TEAM, HAS DONE A VERY GOOD JOB that I would like you to judge by clicking on those links:

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9GO4qtcFn0&feature=channel

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4mvo2vQjlM&feature=channel

Happy Eid to All Muslims

2008-12-10T15:26:00.004+02:00

Not only Fez but the whole Morocco is celebrating the famous Sheep feast. I know that you eyes can’t believe what you will see in the Medina of Fez, but it is very real, the slaughter activity taking place is very true.

Killing the sheep is an Islamic Ritual that all Muslims practice all around the world, Following what our father Ibrahim alkhalil Peace be up on in Him did when he saw in a dream that he was slaughtering his Son, and he knew that it was the message from Allah to him. He knew that it was a way to test his faith, and he was so faithful to Allah, and he obeyed what he was told in the dream. Ibrahim was about to do it when Allah sent him a great sheep as a sacrifice instead of his son. Ibrahim was so grateful to Allah, and Just like him ,we, Muslims practice this ritual to show how grateful we are to allah .

Our prophet Mohammed peace be up on him once said” The eid is not just to eat meat but to be altogether as one community all over the world, also an opportunity to share and help poor people who can’t afford to buy a sheep.

Briefly, the eid of the sheep is a way to show that,we, Muslims believe on all prophets, and we do follow them all, as well as helping one anther and being one body and one soul.

Working with the BBC

2008-10-19T12:51:00.003+02:00

I had such a wonderful experience with the BBC crew filming a documentary about Moroccan food.

One of the good things was that they were filming locals in their daily life, just as they are, and they also tasted various kinds of food in different Moroccan cities. An important point is that they paid attention not only to well-known restaurants but to street food as well. They were very interested about everything going on around them .

Appearing in front of the camera with a famous TV presenter Rick Stein .

It was just a great pleasure for me, because I never thought that I would be in such situation in my life. I can’t deny that I was slightly nervous when they started filming, but I soon gained confidence and began to enjoy every single moment with them.

I was very impressed by their kindness and also the very efficient way they worked.They did a very good job and I’m proud that I had the occasion to work with professional people like them.

A Riad's Manager In Fez .

2008-08-25T17:09:00.006+01:00

Hello

My name is Karima.I am originally from Fez, I have a BA degree in English “Tourism and Business”plus I speak good French and perfect Arabic Of course.

I have many experiences in Tourism , since I have been working as a manager in two Riads , a hostess and receptionist in many different Riads. I have also done translation in many occasions either for researchers, writers or during the two famous Festivals of Fez,”the Festival of world sacred Music and the Sufi Culture Festival”.without forgetting my experience with the BBC crew as translator, location founder.

If you are looking for a manager for your Riad: someone trust worthy,serious and very active ,please contact me Via phone at 00212 67 290 920 Or email me at karimainfez@gmail.com

Thank you very much

Where to eat in Fez

2008-08-19T16:26:00.004+01:00

Fez is know not only as the most traditional and Medieval City of Morocco, But also as the city that offer the best delicacies. So if you are in Fez please try all kind of plates and don’t miss anything.

However, don’t take the risk to eat anywhere, because you may have some health problems like the famous “diary” that will not kill you but make your stay very unpleasant and sometimes very boring since it will stop you from going out and enjoying your trip.

This is why it is very important to pick the right place; Even though they are many Restaurants in Fez, which most of are in the new town, very interesting ones exist in the old city, Since they offer pure Moroccan plates done in a Fassi way that is to say Fez Specialities.

The following are some the names of one of the best places I personally have ever eaten in:

Restaurant Rachid: I call it a Restaurant even though it is only a small stall in the famous Bab Boujloud gate, because Rachid, the owner of the place and one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life, and his team, serve a very clean and safe food that taste excellent. I personally go there whenever I want to eat. IT IS VERY CLEAN.

Restaurant Najariine: is a nice Traditional house-Restaurant located deep in side the Medina, very close to Najariine Museum. Food there is a variety of Moroccan plates which you will really enjoy. They have one of the best cook in Fez and a well organized team of waiters with a lovely red dresses, working all together to serve you in a very professional way.

Coffee Clock: Is a traditional small house that we call in Moroccan Arabic “Massriya”. It is a funky place where you can have safe food, very tasty and carefully prepared.This lovely place is a point where Locals and Tourists all around the meet with one another to exchange cultural knowledge. Mike , the owner of coffee clock with some friends organise cultural events with very reasonable prices to let you enjoy the Moroccan Culture.

Fes & gestes

2008-08-14T18:22:00.003+01:00

Fes & gestes is a coffee Restaurant, a very quiet space where you can eat, drink and hang out with your friends. There are lovely trees and nice green herbs.

The food there is amazing and you can have different kind of plates and juices with very reasonable prices. The place is owned by a French lady,Cecile is a fan of traditional architecture and love Fez and Moroccan life. She felt in love with Fez with all its medieval streets and traditional life. She loved organizing traditional Music Evening in “Mokri palace”.

She and her team are cooperating with one another as a family to warmly welcome you, and make your visit unforgettable.

For more information please contact them via Phone : (00 212) 35 63 85 32
Or via Email :
www.fes-et-gestes.ma / cecile.nanot@fes-et-gestes.ma

VERY HOT FEZ

2008-07-19T18:08:00.005+01:00

is really difficult to walk around the streets of Fez city because of the crazily high temperature during those days. People don't even dare go out because it is so hot, now Fez became a night City» people prefer to go out at night" because it is cooler». All activities are nearly stopped during the days all around the city of Fez.

This heat is not going to stop until September, or the beginning of October. If you are planning to visit Morocco then this is not a good idea to do it right now unless you love hot weather. Or you really want to get dark skinned in 2 days.

Rent a Single room in Fez

2008-06-22T11:29:00.003+01:00

Are you looking for a single room in a very nice Massriya ( A small House) with a wonderflul view on the whole city of Fez ? Then don't miss the opportunity to stay in one of the most Cosy Massriya in Fez owned by French lady.Celine is one of the foreign ladies who fall in love with Fez and decided to take it as her second Home.She bought a Kute Massriya and decorated it in a way to make it very welcoming.

The single room is a very relaxing space which has a shared bath-room and shower.You can use also the salon and the Terrace where you can enjoy drinking Moroccan tea.

If this Offer interest you please contact this nymber : 00212 67 290 920

Or

Email us at : karimainfez@gmail.com

A word of thank to Helen Ranger for all that she did and still doing to preserve as much as she can of Fez .

2008-04-09T23:59:00.010+01:00

HELEN RANGER
English by birth, South African by choice, Helen lives on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town. She was a successful Therapeutic Aromatherapist for sixteen years, co-founder of the Association of Aromatherapists Southern Africa, and ran the first school of aromatherapy in South Africa, teaching both professional and layman's courses. An expert on the use of essential oils, Helen's book, 'Everybody's Aromatherapy' was published in both English and Afrikaans (Tafelberg, 2001, ISBN 0-624-03944-7). This represents the first book on aromatherapy to be published in South Africa, and the first ever in Afrikaans.

Helen organised the highly successful Art of Living Festival in Cape Town from 2001-2004, the premier event of its kind in Africa. It showcased the many options available in the field of spiritual philosophies, psychology, personal motivation and complementary health.

Inspired by several visits to the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, Helen moved to Fez in 2004. She has worked at the Festival as the French/English translator, taught English to Moroccan teenagers, has renovated a 400-year old house, and has established the successful website www.fez-riads.com that funds restoration projects in the Fez Medina by providing tourist accommodation in the traditional houses of Fez.

Helen's passion for travelling has led to many travel articles being published. During the last yen years, she has visited India, Burma, Nepal, Tibet, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Egypt, Spain and Morocco, and her writing reflects the joys and excitement of travelling to such unusual and exciting destinations. Lonely Planet's Fez Encounter 1, of which Helen is co-author, is published in March 2008.

*www.fez-riads.com
Stay in a riad or traditional courtyard house in the Fez medina and automatically contribute to restoration projects

*Lonely Planet's Fez Encounter 1 available from end March. Order at shop@lonelyplanet.co.uk

*Read all the news at The View from Fez www.riadzany.blogspot.com

*14th Fes Festival of World Sacred Music 6-14 June 2008. Book accommodation now at www.fez-riads.com

Riad Tizwa in Fez

2008-03-20T14:42:00.003+02:00

Big welcome to Riad Tizwa

If you are interested to stay in a Nice Riad, where you won’t feel a tourist but just enjoy being a Moroccan for a couple of days, then the right place to visit is Riad Tizwa.

Located in a very secured area in Fez Called Batha( an area very closed to the main entrance to Fez el Medina called “ Bab Boujloud”).The Riad is a nice house with a charming Terrace, and a very comfortable and cosy atmosphere, especially at night, since the whole Riad becomes a calm and Romantic place to help you Relax and totally forget time.

Riad Tizwa and its entire staff are happy to receive you, serve you and help you to know the Real Fassi Life.

The history of Riad Tizwa:

The Riad has been bought by a nice Scottish brothers, who felt in love with the Place once they visited it, and decided to restored it and make it a point where people from different cultures and races can stay. The Idea of turning the Riad into a guest-house inspired the brothers not because they wanted to make a business but because they love meeting people and exchanging cultural values with the others, this is exactly why they are here today to hold this house in their hearts and welcome people to be part of their experience in Morocco.

The Riad is simply decorated in a way to save Architectural Beauty of the place and the original art work. The colour of the Zelij is a soft mixture of blue on the walls and yellow and black in the flour. The ceiling is the original one, and the terrace is just amazingly nice to have breakfast in.

Staff and services in Raid Tizwa:

Nadia is one of the most talented cook in Fez, since she had many years of experience in two famous restaurants in the Old City, in addition to the fact of being a pure Fassi lady, as Fez is known as one of the cities that offer the best food and cuisine art, that’s one reason why Mothers teach their daughters how to cook.

Hicham is from Marrakech but adopted himself to the life of Fez, he will be serving meals and help you reach the Raid if you are carrying heavy luggage.

The manager of the Riad is a very nice lady, who speaks English and French " trying to learn spanish ". Karima is a very welcoming person because she loves to meet people, and has friends, just like Richard and Daniel.She will be really happy to give you as many information as you want about the History of Fez, and will always be there to help you.

For more information please contact :Karimainfez@gmail.com / Riadtizwa@gmail.com

Or please call : 067 290 920 / 035 637 874

To view the Riad please visit : www.riadtizwa.com

Fez World Sacred Music Festival Programme

2008-03-14T14:49:00.002+02:00

The 14th annual Fes Festival of World Sacred Music will take place between 6 to 14 June 2008. The latest updated program is below.

Friday 6 June Opening Night

Bab Makina 20:30

Jessye Norman (USA), with the Regional Lyric Orchestra Avignon Provence (France). Conducting: Rachael Worby (USA)

Saturday 7 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Ghada Shbéïr (Lebanon) Songs of the Eastern Christian Churches

Bab Makina 20:30

Night of Sacred African American and Sufi Songs Night

Spiritual/Hymns/Qawwali/Gospel

Faiz Ali Faiz (Pakistan) ensemble with and Bernice Johnson Reagon and the Sacred Sound Ensemble (USA)

Sunday 8 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Mari Boine (Norway) Sacred Songs of Scandinavian Far North

Bab Makina 20:30

Al Kindi ensemble with Sheikh Hamza Shakour, the Munshid of the Great Umayyad Mosque and the Choir of Greece - Dir. JJ Weiss (Syria/Greece/France)

Stabat Mater Dolorosa - Christian and Muslim Homage to Mary

Monday 9 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Thanh Huong (Vietnam) Traditional and sacred songs

Bab Makina 20:30

Belen Maya Company (Spain) Dibujo Flamenco dance

Tuesday 10 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Tartit Women's Ensemble (Mali) Folk and sacred songs of the Tuareg

Bab Makina 20:30

Panti Pusaka Budaya Ensemble Sacred Traditional Dances of Bali / Indonesia

Wednesday 11 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Ysaÿe Quartet (France) The Seven Last Words of Christ (J. Haydn) Text: Michel Serres – Narrator: Michael Lonsdale

Thursday 12 June

Batha Museum 16:30

The Roza Enflorese (Belgium) Sephardic sacred and traditional songs

Bab Makina 20:30

Abdelwahab Doukali (Morocco)

Friday 13 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Cantus Colln (Germany) Around JS Bach/Spiritual Paths (Buxtehude - J. Rosenmüller - JS Bach) Director: Konrad Junghanel

Bab Makina 20:30

Mohamed Abdou (Saudi Arabia)

Saturday 14 June

Batha Museum 16:30

Madhup Mudghal (India) Bakhti devotional songs

Bab Makina 20:30

Ismael Lô (Senegal) with the Brotherhood Hamadcha of Fez (Morocco) From Dakar to Fez: from heart to soul

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

Photographic Exhibition: The Earthen Mosques of Mali – Christian Schuytiser
Film: Latcho Drom by Tony Gatliff (on gypsies from Rajasthan to Andalusia – premiered at the Cannes Festival)

Fez welcomes you all to discover its secrets

2008-03-09T23:36:00.003+02:00

Fez is one of the most exciting cities of Morocco, historically and spiritually speaking. This city was the destination of many important personalities who came not only to visit or study, but even to live and built up their families and participate in the varied activities of Fez life.

The streets in this medieval city are very complicated; also Life is very challenging especially when it comes to Dealing with Fassi People, since Most of the inhabitants of Fez are Arab even though the place itself is a Berber area. However, once you are in the city you will notice that both Arabs and Berber are living altogether with no issues or problems, you may not even distinguish in between them ,and feel no difference because the only thing that may differ between them is the language ,since Berbers speak their mother tongue whereas Arab speak Arabic. However, one should not expect to hear classical Arabic as certain tourists think, because all Arabs in Morocco speak the Moroccan Dialect: which is originally Arabic but with a strong accent that differ from one city to another all around the country, and may even sound harsh to certain people .

Visiting Fez is like making a real flash back to the past, not because the streets in the old city are still medieval, but also the way people dress themselves, since everywhere you go you may see women dressed traditionally, some of them with a well covered hair, but you are more likely to see young girls dressed like Europeans, walking with stylish jeans. While walking in Fez City you are more likely to see couples holding hands, sometimes even kissing and hugging, which is a very foreign attitude that Moroccans, as Muslim, have adopted from the west.

Houses are also very old and still preserve the heritage of those who first built them, also those who are living in them, this is why once you are in one of those traditional houses you can obviously feel inspired and amazed by everything your eyes may see or your hands may touch. The designs are very simple and complicated at the same time. The blue colour mixed with the green colour which is the colour of Islam contributes in creating a wonderful painting in every single angle of this Royal city.

Fez was, is and will always be the centre of Morocco, where all kind of people live and all kind of cultures still trip to meet.

2007 will be away soon....!!!!!!?

2007-12-28T16:49:00.000+02:00

2007 IS about to leave us,a whole year has passed and we haven't realized it.
My God,time is running and the world around us is changing,but we have only one concern: will the next year will be better than this one? Well, i'm pretty sure that the year 2008 will bring to the world many positive events and a lots of luck and prosperity if the world decides that.

On this occasion I would like to thank everyone who read my blog or contacted me and wish my family and all of you " A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH ALL MY BEST WISHES" ,with A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO LIVE IN FEZ ESPECIALLY SUZANNA AND SANDY, HELEN RANGER,DAYAN ,AND MARION FAWLK.

Also I would like to send a special greeting to the BBC Crew with whom i had such a wonderful experience.

Thank you all.

With all my love and Respect

Karimainfez

ISLAM? What is it?

2007-12-01T13:27:00.000+02:00

Many people, including some Muslims, don’t really know what Islam is really, and they try to get some knowledge about this religion or find some answers to their Question through reading about it or watching documentaries. However,if one wants to know Islam then the best thing to do is to go to the source of it which is "Al kitab wa Suna" which means the holy book and The prophet speech,because those are the only source that can give you right answers to all your questions about Islam.

The fact that they're bad people who call themselves Muslims doesn't mean that all Mulims are the same or that Islam itself is bad, in addition to this none of us should think that Terrorism belongs to This beautiful religion, nor to other religions, since they all complete one another in teaching human beings how to be kind to one another and be self-disciplined, But the right thing to say is that there are some people who commit crimes in the name of Allah and Islam.

ISLAM is a discipline, sets of principles and values that gives you an opportunity to open your eyes and see the truth of this world and live it right and in a Harmony with the other ,no more no less.

Festivals of Sufi cuture and Sacred Music

2007-11-06T15:09:00.000+02:00

The Festival of Sufi Culture, directed by Faouzi Skali, has done a great deal to give many people the opportunity to understand Islam in general, but especially Sufism. And those present enjoyed every single moment of this important event.
Being a Moroccan girl who got a BA in English 'Professionally Oriented Study' and already worked in The first edition of The Festival of Sufi Culture , and the Festival of Sacred Music as a translator I am available to help you understand what's going on during any event in Fez and help you move around the whole city. You just need to contact me. You may also need need to contact an organization to let then know that you will be dealing with me so that Ican get the necessary authorization to enable me walking with you around the Medina. Or you can get in touch with me to get my personal information and I will assist you contact the organization and let them know that you want me to help you.

Karaouin Mosque is welcoming thousands of prayers once again

2007-10-07T11:40:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I heard some people talking about the happy news but i couldn't believe it. They said that the Karaouiin mosque restoration process is done that the famous mosque is ready to be used not only as a historical monument that everybody love to visit while walking through the confusing allays of the medina, but also as the main mosque of Fez City.

It seems that people have just realized how important el Quaraouiin mosque is. Nobody was really aware of the important role this mosque plays as one of the biggest mosques in Fez for centuries till after that it was closed for nearly 3 or 4 years.
People's main gossip issue these days is: when will it be open, today or tomorrow? In this week or may be the next one? They still don't know that the surprise will surely happen this week. The last week of this holly month of Ramadan.

The only thing I hope that Moroccans will bear in mind is that this building took a long time and so much energy to be restored so let's save it and protect our historical heritage, because it represent who we are and will always do.

Moroccan traditional Clothes

2007-09-25T18:54:00.000+02:00

Yes, this picture can give you just a simple idea about Moroccan traditional clothes. Of course, Moroccans do not wear them everyday because they are not practical at all, but they occasionally wear them when they are invited to a wedding or a birth party, and i personnally wear them while organizing Musical parties for differente occasions and in many different places such as Raid Zany where I worked as an assistant and a hostess .

Making such wonderful clothes is not very difficult, since all that you have to do to get one or some like this , is to go to the Medina buy pieces of cloth and take them to a tailor who will take your size and start working on it straight a way. it may take 1 or 2 weeks maximum to make them then all that is left to do is to wear them and feel Moroccan.

So if you have a nice place in Fez City and you would like to start organizing traditional or Sufi Musical parties,or you have some question about how to make clothes like this , please contact

email: karimainfez@gmail.com

Arab women's freedom

2007-09-23T14:41:00.000+02:00

Are Arab women really free or are they still controlled over by men? This is the Question that you will hear most of foreigners who you may daily met in Fez while discussing Arab life Issue either because they're curious to know more about us or because they've heard from other foreigners who've spent some days here saying this while they came back home.

The answer is yes and no. Arab women are morally free because they still have some values and principles, and politically they're in better positions nowadays especially in Morocco where women now have the right to vote and even belong to a political party. However, just by walking in the street you can feel some men' influence and position in the air especially when you notice a man walking in the front while his wife is following him, or when a woman is walking alone in the middle of all those men barking like dogs and even harassing her sexually by throwing her out with bad words or even trying to touch her, yes it's unbelievable, but that's true, and I'm saying this because I'm a woman and I have and I do still experience this everyday while walking to my work .

This is not a general statement, because they're very respectable men who're very intellectual and understand very well how women's feeling of freedom is important to our society and life progress.
Women are not men's slaves but their partners in every single responsibility in this life so please do respect us because we're your past and your future for sure.

Ramadan Said

2007-09-14T18:53:00.000+02:00

"Ramadan Mobarak Said and 3washar Mbarka mass3ouda" this is the basic expression that you will hear people employing to greet each other everywhere in Morocco.Although, the accent differ from one city to another, the meaning remains the same.

the whole expression means "A happy Ramdan and happy holy months" the reason why we say it is that Muslim people consider the five months including Ramdan, one month before it and three months after it as woly months because of the religious events that happened in those months including the one in which the prophet Ibrahim Alkhlil peace be up on him was going to slaughter his son because,this later, saw that happening in his dream,and the miracle happened when allah sent to Ibrahim a Sheep from Heaven to sacrifise instead of his own son.

Ramadan is a very important month for Arab and non-arab Muslim community,because it's the only month when we feel very close to allah,and very united with our brothers and sisters all over the world,in addition, fasting in this month help us to understand how do poor and homeless people feel when they starve days and nights.

Take a deep breath and get ready for a Japanese massage

2007-09-08T18:51:00.000+02:00

Have you just arrived to fez?

I am sure you did and you're very excited to visit the whole city, especially the old and most interesting part called Fez El Bali. Now if you're in your way back to the hotel or the Raid you're staying in then you should think about how relaxing to take a hot shower and a Japanese Massage by soft French hands of a nice young lady who I personally know and have experienced her massage that released me from many pains I used to have due to the long hours i spend everyday at work.

Celine Vlaminck will help you to feel better after a long day of walking around the city because it is very tiring to walk all around those exciting narrow streets but it is also impossible to resist their charm and beauty.

For more information please call: 068 82 30 40
Or visit her web-site: www.massagemaroc.com

Morocco of Tomorrow

2007-09-06T20:17:00.000+02:00

Today the 6th of September is a very busy and noisy day in Fez city, just the same case all around the other Moroccan cities because tomorrow the 7th of September is elections day.

All Moroccan citizens are preparing themselves to this important event which some of them believe will change the fate of our country. Each narrow street in Fez medina and new town city is crowded with different group of people belonging to various political parties shouting their leader's names and making a last try to convince citizens to choose them and vote for their representor.

I will personally go tomorrow to vote for the one I believe will work for the good of this country and help young people to get more work opportunities as it is the main problem in Fez. And my advice to every one who is still young but has no work yet is to be patient and never lose hope and of course trust our king his highness Mohammed the sixth because he is a young king ready to do a lot for his country and our future all. Long life to his majesty and to our Moroccan kingdom.

Morocco elections 2007

2007-08-24T15:05:00.000+01:00

Morocco elections 2007 will start tomorrow, the 25th of August.

This is the main topic of gossip all along the streets Moroccan towns and cities. There are at least 30 political parties preparing themselves for the struggle to win votes. Now each one of them will try to convince as many citizens as possible to vote for them, and this is the hard part of this game –how to make people trust and choose them to be their political leaders.

Being a higher power of all these parties, His Highness Mohammed the sixth has insisted that these elections have to be clear and honest. He is trying successfully to change the fate of his kingdom for the better. Every single citizen is aware of the hard work his majesty is doing to improve Morocco economical, political and social situation, for this reason a majority of Moroccans are ready to work hard for the good of their country.

Buy or rent a traditional house or Riad in Fez.

2007-08-16T16:41:00.000+01:00

If you are interested to change your life-style by living in a different culture with different people , And would like to have your own paradise in the most mediviel city in the Arab world or even run a guesthouse business,then you should come to Fez and buy your own house or riad and restore it the way you like.

Our well experienced local team who know the secret of Fez can help you to find the right house,with the right price,and make the whole process easy for you,All that you have to do is to contact me,either by emailing me: karimainfez@gmail.com

Renting an Apartment or a small riad in Fez is also one of the services that we can help you with.

If you are interested don't hesitate to contact us .We are here to work with you till that you find the house of your dream.

Experience summer time in Fez.

2007-07-13T12:49:00.000+01:00

Life in Fez is still interesting even though it's very hot .You can hear people complaining about it but still enjoy being in the city. Many Foreigners who have become a part of this wonderful town don't like this weather because it keeps them at home but they're aware that it's a part of the experience and they have to live it just the way it is.

If you really want to enjoy Fez during summer, just be patient during the day because it is so hot and there is no way to escape this stage, except going to a swimming pool or to some beautiful cool mountains around the city, then going out for a walk at night either in the Medina or in the new town, this way you won't feel summer heavy on you and you will connect yourself to Moroccan people and understand them better. This is what I personally do since and all my friend are here.

If you are planning to come to Fez during summer don’t hesitate, I am sure you will love it.

The festival of the Sacred Music in Fez

2007-06-10T12:46:00.000+01:00

During the last few days Fez was really busy and full of action.You could obviously see tourists, especially journalists, everywhere along the narrow streets of this wonderful city.Some of them were with official guides and some alone trying to discover the secret behind each wall and historical Monument .
Inside Bab Makina there were a huge number of people from Different countries, nationalities and religions and that was the real beauty of the scene since you could hear every group talking in a different language, and once the Music started they would just stop and let the charm of Music play with their souls.
This was my first time in the Festival and i was so happy to see all these events happening around me and feel the happiness and the excitement just from looking at the eyes of the Audience. Everyone was enjoying the Moment including me.

The festival of the Sacred Music in Fez

2007-05-25T18:53:00.000+01:00

I am looking for work during the Festival of Sacred Music as a translator .

I am very interested to work in this festival and I enjoy helping people to understand the Moroccan culture.

please email karimainfez@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to help.

Help this family to find their little girl

2007-05-23T12:46:00.001+01:00

A missing girl in Morocco or North Africa

2007-05-23T12:38:00.001+01:00

Madeleine is still away from her family,and the world is still passive and won't react I don't know why?

I still can't understand why would someone commit this cruel act by kidnapping an innocent little girl like madeleine.Honestly i think that the world should care more about this little girl.

It was a shoch to hear in the news that they still don’t know anything about her.I just hope that they will do something to help her family finding her as soon as possible.

The first Festival of Sufi Culture

2007-05-08T09:10:00.000+01:00

I was so happy to participate in the festival of the Sufi Culture in it’s first edition organised by Mr Fouzi Skali.

My work was translating for an American cultural production company. I enjoyed this experience very much because it wasn’t only about work but also involved meeting many different people from all over the world. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet many people with different religions and beliefs as well as many well known and famous people - and even talk to them.

The Moqri Palace where the festival took place was very magical and the atmosphere was “rabani” which mean surrounded by the blessing of “Allah”. It was easy for everybody to be taken and charmed by the music and the very powerful words of every song or chant.

This experience I had was very special and enriched my language and work skills.

For more information about Sufi ceremonies go to: Sufi Moussem Part One, & Part Two

Fez in Spring

2007-03-18T15:46:00.000+02:00

In Spring, Fez is full of light, colour and the sweet smell of orange blossom.

This is a beautiful time in Fez and ideal for strolling around the Medina taking in the sights, sounds and spicy smells!

A recent art exhibition in Fez

2007-03-18T15:02:00.000+02:00

Still Life by Hassan Alaoui
One of the exciting jobs I was involved with in March was assisting with the publicity and marketing for the opening of an exhibition by four well known Moroccan artists. The gallery was The Orientalist Art Gallery and the four painters featured were: Abdelmalek Alaoui, Hassan Allaoui, Abdelali Belal and Mohamed Krich.

The Orientalist Art Gallery can be found at 38 Rue Abdelaziz Boutaleb and the exhibition continues until April 7.

A brief introduction.

2007-03-18T13:58:00.000+02:00

My name is Karima and I live in the ancient Medina of Fez. My work life is quite varied and has involved me working as a translator for film crews, for visitors to Fez and for people overseas who need documents translated. I also do translation work for local bujsiness and arts organisations who need English language texts.

While my languages include Arabic, Dariija (local Moroccan dialect) and French, it is English that I enjoy working in most.

You can contact me via email: karimainfez@gmail.com
Or by phone: Calling from within Morocco 041 075 086
Calling from outside Morocco 212 41 075 086