Jewish Cemetery (Miara)

The Jewish Cemetery of Fes, known as the Miara, lies in the Mellah of Fes el-Jdid, beside the royal palace walls in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. It serves the Jewish community that lived in the quarter from the 15th century, after the Merenid rulers established the Mellah in 1438, and it contains tombs spanning several centuries. The cemetery is notable for its appearance: thousands of whitewashed tombs are laid out in tight rows across a sloping site, with low rectangular or gabled slabs, many bearing Hebrew inscriptions. Some tombs are those of rabbis and scholars, and certain graves are places of pilgrimage for Jewish visitors from Morocco and abroad. Following the large-scale emigration of Moroccan Jews in the 20th century, the cemetery was left with few families to maintain it, but it has been cared for by caretakers and heritage supporters, and the white lime paint is renewed periodically. A small donation is customary at the entrance, and a caretaker may provide short explanations. The cemetery is a quiet, reflective place that offers a different perspective on the city's history from its mosques and madrasas, and it complements the Ibn Danan Synagogue, which lies a short walk away. Visitors should dress modestly and treat the site as an active burial ground, avoiding walking over graves and following the marked paths. Photography is generally tolerated but should be done discreetly. The cemetery is closed on Saturday. A visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Together with the Mellah, it testifies to the centuries-long presence of Jews in Fes, where they worked as merchants, goldsmiths, tailors and physicians and shaped the city's economy and culture.