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Fes Study Trip: 19-23 April, 2025
Full of patterns and long-standing traditions, where geometry, poetry, music and sufism are celebrated in equal measure, Fes is your gateway to a land of ornamental splendour and a myriad of colors. Discover the world of at-Tasṯīr: Moroccan Geometry, with Fes-native artisan and author Hamza El Fasiki from CRAFT DRAFT.
Meet the Team
Important Details
SEATS
MEETING POINT
MEETING POINT
CRAFT DRAFT Study trips are limited to only 5 participants. We prioritize Quality over Quantity.
MEETING POINT
MEETING POINT
MEETING POINT
For all sessions and activities, the meeting point is the CRAFT DRAFT Fes Studio. (Studio Address: 17 Funduq al-Khrashfiyen, Bab Rcif, Fes Medina, Morocco)
VENUES
MEETING POINT
VENUES
Sessions will take place in different locations. The instructor or a guide will walk you to the venue of the session.
SAFETY
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
VENUES
Your safety is of the utmost importance during your trip and stay in Fes. Upon registration, we can recommended other aspects of your trip such as guides, restaurants, taxi services to pick/drop you from/to the airport and others.
LANGUAGE
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
This Study trip will be run in English. The local geometry terminology will be provided with a historical overview and translation.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
PAYMENT CONDITIONS
A full non-refundable payment is required before the start of the Study Trip as the venues, materials and masters need to be booked in advance. In the event of cancelation from your end, there will be no refund but you can benefit from from up to 36 % discount on Online Classes. In the event of cancelation by CRAFT DRAFT, you shall receive a full refund.
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT
All supplies, materials, tools, access to venues, and especially tea will be included. Meals and Accommodations are not included.
Content
In this Oct 2024 CRAFT DRAFT Study Trip to Fes Morocco we spent a wonderful 5 days discussing, drawing and interacting with at-Tastir (geometric) patterns from within the heart of the Fes Medina. The best part of the trip was to meet and learn directly from renowned local master artisans.
Day 1: we started the trip with a general overview of the history behind Moroccan geometric art and then we shifted our focus to the techniques of Tāgbast (plaster carving). After drawing a pattern original to the 14th C. Attarine Madrasa, we had a plaster carving class with Master Abderrazak Bahij.
Day 2: We carried on our discussion on the meanings of at-Tastir but this time we looked at the use of geometry in creating public signage. We looked at different types of fountains and we drew a pattern original to the 14th C. Sidi Frej Maristan fountain.
Day 3: we looked at the various traditional and modern methods of wood painting techniques while drawing a pattern original to the 14th C. Moulay Idiss Shrine. We did a class with Master Nouredine Lahssaini who took us through the steps of Tāzwaqt (wood painting).
- Day 4: We learned about the history of Zallij tiles while drawing a pattern original to the 17th C. Cherratine Madrasa. We then met with Master Adil Moukhlis who taught us about how Zallij tiles are made and after that he helped us assemble, piece by piece, the pattern we previously traced.
Day 5: In this last day of the trip, we talked about the history of Nuħās (brass art) while drawing a pattern original to the 14th C. Bu Inania Madrasa. We were then accommodated by Master Mokhtar El Fasiki - head of the guild - who helped us engrave the pattern on a brass sheet while using various chisels and stamps. Master Abdelilah Waqaf kindly raised the tray edges.
We are thankful to Ba Driss who made such delicious teas.
As the facilitator of this trip, I, Hamza El Fasiki, would love to thank the participants who came from a far and all the masters who were generous to share with us their time, space, tools and most importantly their knowledge.
Until next study trip of April 2025.
Content
- Day 1: Introduction to at-Tasṯīr: The Art of Moroccan Geometric Patterns:
In this day traditional Moroccan artisan Hamza El Fasiki form CRAFT DRAFT had the pleasure to host a brilliant group from all over the place including various origins and geographical locations: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Morocco, USA, UK, Canada, France and Australia so as to spend 5 days in Fes, Morocco while experiencing and learning about the cultural history and traditional artisanal techniques of applying at-Tasťīr (Moroccan Geometric Patterns). In the morning, we started with a mini presentation and discussion about Moroccan culture and patterns. In the afternoon we traced a geometric pattern and we pierced it into a Kāghīť - a geometric paper stencil.
- Day 2: Interaction with at-Tasṯīr: The Beauty of Moroccan Space and Architecture:
After discussing the cultural history of Tāzwāqet - Moroccan Wood Painting, we used the geometric pattern we pierced into a Kāghīť - a geometric paper stencil - to apply the pattern onto a wooden board. The result was exquisite!
- Day 3: Construction of at-Tasṯīr: The Shaping and Crafting of Moroccan Materials:
After previously tracing the pattern, today we experienced two craft materials: Brass and Zallij Tiles. In the morning , we engraved using chisels, stamps and hammers a brass place. In the afternoon, we learned about Zallij Tiles and we laid a pattern on metal frame. Today we experienced the challenges artisans face on a daily routine while crafting the beautiful pattern we often enjoy. We learned that what defines an artisan is their embodiment of the material they craft - we become part and partial of the material! Are you the same as the materials you use too?
- Day 4: Perception of at-Tasṯīr: The Poetry and Music of Moroccan Ornaments:
In the morning we stayed at Sidi Ali al-Jamal Zawiya and we drew a pattern from the graves while analysing the correlation between Arabic rhetorics and geometry. In the afternoon, we had an enjoyable session on the art of Moroccan Andalusian Music: al-Ala. We discussed the connection between music modes and Moroccan patterns.
- Day 5: Exhibition of at-Tasṯīr: The Work of Young Moroccan Apprentices:
In the morning, we visited 2 important historic monuments in relationship with Moroccan patterns. We have finally seen the original versions of the patterns we have been drawing and applying on various craft materials during the study trip. In the afternoon, a special event took place. The international participants at this CRAFT DRAFT Study Trip met with the wonderful @medinalibraryfez kids who are undertaking a special 1-year long apprenticeship program on at-Tastir (Moroccan Geometry) following the true footsteps of the Fes artisans. The event combined a collective workshop led by the trainee apprentice Khadija from the Medina Children Library, a meeting with the kids parents, an exhibition of the kids’ drawings and sketches and a tea & music party at the ALIF Riad.