Is Fez the Same as Fes?
Quick answer
Yes — “Fez” and “Fes” are simply two English spellings of the same Moroccan city, the famous imperial city with the world’s largest car-free medina. “Fès” (with an accent) is the French spelling; all refer to the same place. The brimless “fez” hat is named after the city.
It is a common source of confusion when booking or reading guides: Fez and Fes appear interchangeably. Rest assured they are the same city — here is the quick explanation.
No, you have not found two different places.
Same city, different spellings
Fez and Fes are two romanised spellings of the same city’s Arabic name (فاس), Morocco’s third-largest city and one of its four imperial cities. The French spelling “Fès” (with a grave accent) is common too, reflecting Morocco’s French-influenced signage. You will see all three; they point to one place.
So whether a tour, hotel or article says Fez or Fes, it is the same destination — home to the UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali medina, the tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin and the great medersas.
Which spelling to use
Both are widely accepted in English. “Fes” has become the more common modern English spelling and matches local/French usage closely, while “Fez” is the older, traditional English form (and the one most associated with the hat). Use whichever you like — searches and bookings recognise both.
On Moroccan signs and official materials you will most often see “Fès” or “Fez.”
The fez hat connection
The brimless, flat-topped red felt hat called a “fez” (or tarboosh) takes its name from the city, which was historically a major centre for producing the dye and the hats. So the city gave its name to the famous headwear, though the hat is now more associated with the wider Ottoman world.
You can still buy fez hats and other traditional headwear in Morocco’s souks as souvenirs.
Key takeaways
- Fez and Fes are the same city — two English spellings (French: Fès).
- It is Morocco’s imperial city with the world’s largest car-free medina.
- Both spellings are accepted; “Fes” is the common modern form.
- The “fez” hat is named after the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fez and Fes the same place?
Yes — they are two English spellings of the same Moroccan imperial city (French: Fès). All refer to the city with the world’s largest car-free medina.
Should I spell it Fez or Fes?
Both are correct. “Fes” is the more common modern English spelling (close to local/French usage); “Fez” is the older traditional form. Bookings and searches recognise both.
Is the fez hat named after the city?
Yes — the brimless red felt hat is named after Fez, historically a major centre for producing the dye and the hats.
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