Over 1.1 million people live in Fez, making it Morocco’s second largest city. Historically, it was formed during three time periods. The oldest is Fes El Bali, also called the Medina of Fez. It was founded in 789 during the Idrisid dynasty. A separate settlement was created just across the Jawhar River in 808. They were connected during the late 11th century. The Fez el Jdid section dates back to 1276. This was during the early stage of the Marinid rule when it became their capital city. Fez maintained this distinction until 1925 when the country’s capital moved to Rabat. The third district of Fez was established by the French during the 20th century. It is called Ville Nouvelle or the “New City.”