Moroccan Geometry and Bookbinding with Hamza
Learn the traditional Moroccan crafts of drawing geometric patterns and bookbinding under the guidance of Hamza, a multigenerational and multidisciplinary artisan and musician in Fes.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $575
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $180
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $145
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $145
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Meet the Artist
Hamza El Fasiki is a multidisciplinary craftsman and musician. He is an Andalusian Oud musician, a geometer, brass-smith, bookbinder, paper-maker and founder of a crafts studio dedicated to Moroccan arts and crafts in Fes. He comes from a multigenerational family of artisans and passing on crafts knowledge is a family culture. He apprenticed under his father and traveled around 15 countries crafting and learning from masters. Now his mission is to continue this legacy and help people around the world connect with old Moroccan crafts. His traditional art revolves around the art of Compass & Ruler. With those two instruments, he draws and traces Moroccan geometric patterns, etches and engraves them on brass plates and trays and embosses them on leather book covers. During your time with him, he will show you how to be and feel like an artisan.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn about different Moroccan art designs found in many of the Morocco's traditional buildings and mosques.
- Learn how to create Moroccan geometric designs and patterns using basic geometric instruments - compass and ruler.
- Spend the entire time going deeper into advanced geometric patterns or learn how to apply it on brass or leather.
- For brass engraving, you will learn the history of brass tradition whilst making your own tea tray. Using a compass, ruler and stamps, you will craft your own brass tea tray or bowl with your geometric designs. (Available starting 2022)
- For leather book making, you will learn step-by-step techniques of crafting your own leather bound journal – complete with braid and /or long stitches and craft papers. For the cover, you will learn techniques of embossing and stamping your geometric designs on leather.
- All materials and tools.
Stay at Hamza's
You will be staying right in the center of Fes Medina at Hamza's home, an early 17th C. neighborhood. It is next to a mosque with panoramic rooftop views of the city and the hills. The house has 4 floors. You will have your own private bedroom, shared bathroom and access to the kitchen. You'll also get to meet their 3 year old cat, Moshe Moshe.
Explore Fes
Fes is the third largest city in Morocco and known as the cultural capital of the nation. Fes El-Bali, the oldest walled medina, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the oldest university in the world, University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in the 9th century by a woman named Fatima al-Fihria. From discovering Souk Al Henna for the best spices and herbs to visiting Mellah, the oldest organized urban Jewish neighborhood in Morocco, Fes will be nothing short of rich sensations and history.
Additional Details
This VAWAA will be hosted at Hamza's home while his studio undergoes renovation, scheduled to be completed by January 2022.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration. If interested in extending your time, let us know by how many days and we will do our best to accommodate you. Hamza can also assist in a taxi-pick up and will be happy to take you to his favorite lunch spots.
Please note, that locals are not allowed to take tourists on tours around the city unless they book an official guide. Hence, Hamza will not be able to take you to visit other artisans in the city.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration. If interested in extending your time, let us know by how many days and we will do our best to accommodate you. Hamza can also assist in a taxi-pick up and will be happy to take you to his favorite lunch spots.
Please note, that locals are not allowed to take tourists on tours around the city unless they book an official guide. Hence, Hamza will not be able to take you to visit other artisans in the city.
Guest Reviews
Steve M., United States
We spent five days learning three different types of traditional bookbinding techniques. Hearing about the history of the craft and the process of Hamza's own training as we worked really helped us understand so much more about the entire craft.
