Fez Field trip 2026

Introduction
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Monday 14th - Friday 18th September. 2026

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Welcome to the Art of Islamic Pattern Fez Field Trip 2026.

Our base will be at Dar Seffarine, beside the Karaouine Mosque, in the heart of Fes el-Bali — an authentic medieval medina whose street layout and many of its buildings date back to the 12th century. To help orient yourself, we recommend familiarising yourself with the main route that runs through the medina: Talaa Kebira (“the big slope”), which stretches from Bab Bou Jeloud to Place Seffarine. Many of the principal sights lie just off this alley, and if you ever lose your bearings, you can simply follow it either back home to Dar Seffarine or out towards the main gate.

Trip Overview

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At a glance

Day 1 - Welcome and Orientation in Fez Medina

14-Sept-2026
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Begin Your Journey in Historic Fes el-Bali

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Orientation and Practical Information

This document lists the programme for the 5 days, we will always start the day at Dar Seffarine and we will update you if there are any changes to the itinerary. It’s also worth remember the word Balak (look out) often a warning of an approaching cart!

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Directions to Dar Seffarine

Bab R’cif is the gate offering nearest vehicle access to Dar Seffarine. Only 4 min walk from RCIF and the carparking, Pass the gate and go straight ahead into the medina. Follow the street, walk up a few stairs to the bridge you will have to cross. Then turn right and continue along Seffarine. At first you will notice the silver and copper merchants, before ending in Seffarine square with its copper-ware artists. To the left is the great Library of the Qarawiyine. Pass the library and the fountain, enter the gateway, keep straight and you will find Sbaa Louyate. Dar Seffarine is the house nr. 14 in the street.
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Geometric Design: Intro Geometric Pattern led by Richard

Time9.30am

Practical Geometric drawing class

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Lunch at Dar Seffarine

Time1pm

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time)

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Biomorphic Design

Time2pm

Introductory to Nasrid biomorphic design, working with Sebka designs led by Adam.

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Site Visit: Al Attarine Madrasa

Time3:30 - 5pm.

Site visit to Al Attarine Madrasa

Day 2 - Biomorphic Design

15-Sept-2026
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Explore Biomorphic Design, Medina Architecture talk and visit to Bou Inania Madrasa

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Biomorphic Design

Time9.30am

Introductory to Nasrid biomorphic design, working with drop-pattern designs led by Adam.

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Lunch at Dar Seffarine (Copy)

Time1pm

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time)

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Alaa Architect Tour of Traditional Medina Courtyard House

Time2pm
Alaa Architect tour of a traditional medina courtyard house.
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Site Visit: Bou Inania Madrasa

Time3.30 - 5pm

Site visit to Bou Inania Madrasa

Day 3 - Geometric Design and Open Session in Fez

16-Sept-2026
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Explore Geometric Design and Creative Development

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Geometric Design: 5-fold Symmetry led by Richard

Time9.30am

Geometric Design: 5-fold Symmetry led by Richard

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Lunch at Dar Seffarine

Time1pm

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time)

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Open Session/Development Time

This afternoon session has been left open to allow some contingency within the programme. It may be used to complete activities for the whole group. Alternatively, it may be used for individual artistic exploration, or for participants to visit the medina, or other sites independently.

Day 4 - Colour, Tessellation and Zellij Mosaic Workshop excurtion

17-Sept-2026
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Hands-On Colour, Tessellation and Zellij Mosaic

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Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard (Group 1)

Time10am

Group 1

Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard

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Zellij Mosaic Workshop (Group 2)

Time10am

Group 2

Zellij Mosaic Workshop at Art Naji

Meet at Dar Seffarine and walk to trasport.

An experience of discovery into the traditional craft of creating mosaic pieces used in architectural decoration. The session begins with a guided tour to the clay craft production. Participants will then take taxis out of the Medina to the artisanal quarter of Fez — the principal area where zellige is traditionally produced — to assemble and create a small zellige plaque. Refreshments will be provided.

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Lunch at Dar Seffarine

Time1pm

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time)

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Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard (Group 2)

Time2pm to 5:30pm.

Dar Seffarine: Colour and Tessellation led by Richard for

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Zellij Mosaic Workshop (Group 1)

Time2pm to 5:30pm.

Meet at Dar Seffarine and walk to trasport.

Zellij Mosaic Workshop at Art Naji

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Sunset Yoga & Meditation

Time7.30pm – 8.30pm

Roof Terrace - Dar Seffarine with Stephanie Cavazos

Day 5 - Biomorphic and Geometric Design Finale

18-Sept-2026
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Final Day: Biomorphic and Rosette Design Mastery

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Dar Seffarine: Biomorphic Radial Design

Time9.30am

Dar Seffarine: Biomorphic Design: Working with radial design led by Adam

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Lunch at Dar Seffarine

Time1pm

Lunch at Dar Seffarine (free time)

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Geometric Design: Working with Complex Rosettes led by Richard

Time2pm to 5:30pm.

Geometric Design: Working with Complex Rosettes led by Richard

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Course completed and Group Photo

Course completed. Group photo.
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Staff

Adam Williamson and Richard Henry, Art of Islamic Pattern. Contact: islamicpattern@gmail.com, +44 (0)7900466866 (Adam), +44 (0)7906844321 (Richard).

Recommended equipment to bring

Recommended equipment to bring image
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Recommended equipment to bring

Materials

  • Compass (please note: compasses cannot be taken in hand luggage; some will be available on-site)

  • Plain cartridge paper sketchbook (ideally A3)

  • Mid-tone cartridge paper

  • White pencil

  • 30 cm ruler

  • Precision or “zero” eraser

  • Tracing paper

  • Range of graphite pencils (6B–4H)

  • Drawing pens / fine liners

  • Small watercolour or gouache set

  • Coloured pencils

Loading Map…

Map

1. Dar Seffarine

14 Derb Sbaa Louyate, Place Seffarine, Fes 30200, Morocco

2. Bab R’cif

Bab Rcif, Fes 30200, Morocco

3. Bou Inania Madrasa

Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes 30110, Morocco

4. Attarine Madrasa

Rue Attarine, Fes 30030, Morocco

5. Art Naji

Fez, Marruecos

About your organizer

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AP
Art of Pattern
Art of Pattern was founded by Adam Williamson and Richard Henry in 2008. Richard and Adam have given workshops, presentations and public lectures at many of the leading cultural and educational institutions in the UK and beyond, including:- NYU & Spotify, USA, The British Museum, The British Library, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe, The MIA Museum Doha, Ithra Museum SA, The King’s School of Traditional Arts, The Slade School of Fine Art, Central St Martins, The Royal Society, Asia House, Cambridge

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