Conquest of Fez

The Conquest of Fez took place in 1554 between the Ottoman forces of Salah Rais and the ruler of Fez, Muhammad al-Mahdi, resulting in a retreat by the Moroccan forces.[3]

In 1553 Salah Rais departed for Fez with his artillery and 4000 men.[4] The Sultan of Fez, having heard of these actions, had sent all the cavalry he could to encamp in Fez. Shortly after, the Sultan of Fez prepared his army for battle. Salah Rais, despite being outnumbered more than five to one, did the same.[5]

The Sultan of Fez met the Ottomans near Taza, but retreated once he realised the superiority of the Ottoman artillery.[3] Salah Rais entered Fez in January 1554, and Ali Abu Hassun was declared ruler, as a vassal of the Ottoman Sultan.[6] [3] For four months the Ottoman troops, Turks and Berbers from Kabylia, stayed in Fez and harassed its population until Ali Abu Hassun bought the withdrawal of the Turks.[3]