place · L0256

Fez פאס

Capital of Maghrebi Torah: the Rif was born nearby and carries its name (Alfasi, "of Fez"), and the Rambam's family lived there in the 1160s under Almohad rule before escaping east. Its mellah and yeshivot made it the anchor of Moroccan Jewry for a millennium.

I. Who

Hebrew
פאס
Also known as
Fes, Fās

III. Where

Modern location
Fez, Morocco

V. How do we know

ClaimEvidenceConfidenceSources
R' Yitzchak Alfasi — "the Rif" — takes his name from Fez, where he taught until his denunciation and flight to Spain in 1088. tradition external ★★★★☆
The Rambam's family, fleeing Almohad Córdoba, settled in Fez around 1160 and remained about five years before departing for Eretz Yisrael and Egypt. external ★★★★☆

Referenced by: The Rif, Rabbi Maimon (the Dayan), Rambam