The Queen of Fez: The Love Story of Zaynab and Idris Al-Akbar

The Queen of Fez is a work of historical fiction inspired by the real-life founding of the Idrisid dynasty in 8th-century Morocco—a pivotal moment in North African and Islamic history. While rooted in documented events—the exile of Idris I (Idris ibn Abdallah) after the Battle of Fakhkh, his alliance with the Awraba Berbers, the founding of Fez, and his mysterious death—this narrative weaves imagination with history to explore the human heart behind the legend. At its core, this story reimagines the often-overlooked role of women in early Islamic state-building. Though historical records mention little about Idris I’s wife, this novel gives voice to Zaynab bint Kinanah—a fictional yet symbolically powerful figure who embodies the wisdom, resilience, and spiritual depth of Berber women who helped shape Moroccan identity. Her journey from healer to queen reflects a truth often buried in chronicles: that great civilizations are not built by rulers alone, but by partnerships of vision, love, and shared purpose. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, cultural synthesis, and spiritual devotion, The Queen of Fez invites readers into a world where faith meets pragmatism, exile becomes destiny, and love fuels legacy. It is not merely a romance, but a meditation on leadership, justice, and the quiet strength that sustains empires long after their founders are gone. May this tale honor both the history it draws from and the timeless values it celebrates.

Moroccan heritage and royal legacy

Epic love and destiny in Islamic history

Ancient Fez and North African history

Strong Muslim woman novel

Idrisid dynasty historical fiction

Berber queen love story

Historical romance set in Morocco