Marrakech – The historic monuments and archaeological sites of Marrakech, affected by the earthquake of September 8, 2023, have been given a facelift thanks to an ambitious restoration program aimed at giving new vitality to this thousand-year-old tangible cultural heritage and preserving its unique architectural character.
In the first days following the earthquake, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Department of Culture) set up ad-hoc committees to monitor the restoration and rehabilitation works of the impacted historic monuments and archaeological sites.
Urgent interventions were thus carried out as part of a first phase aimed essentially at reopening the most popular monuments, such as the Bahia and Badie Palaces and the Saadian Tombs, pending the implementation of a global and inclusive program, which provides for more substantial interventions based on in-depth technical studies.
This colossal effort deployed by the ministry’s services and the competent authorities resulted in the re
opening of these sites in record time as of early October 2023.
“About sixty sites and monuments affected by the Al Haouz earthquake have been identified, including the Bahia and Badie Palaces, the Saadian Tombs, the ramparts of the old medina, Dar El Bacha and Dar Si Saïd, in addition to historic mosques such as the Koutoubia,” the inspector of monuments and historic sites at the Regional Directorate of Culture, Jamal Aboulhouda Abdelmonïm, told MAP.
Recalling that damaged sites have undergone urgent reinforcement works, the official noted that the second phase of overall rehabilitation will be launched shortly once the technical studies are finalized.
Abdelmonïm underlined that the ministry has allocated a budget of 120 million DH for to give a facelift to these sites, allowing them to further strengthen their legendary attractiveness.
In this regard, the curator of the Bahia Palace, Hanane Labchir, said that thanks to the efforts of all the stakeholders, the affected monuments initially underwent reinf
orcement works of the damaged parts, noting that the Bahia Palace reopened its doors one month after the earthquake (October 9, 2023) to safely welcome visitors.
Subsequently, technical and in-depth studies were launched by the expert and control offices, she noted, adding that the damage to this monument affected 30% of the site (roofs, doors, corridors and walls). She recalled that the first restoration and reinforcement interventions were carried out the day after the earthquake.
If the monuments and historical sites were affected by the Al Haouz earthquake, the significant efforts made by all stakeholders have helped restore the nobility of this cultural and civilizational heritage, which constitutes one of the undeniable riches of this imperial city.
Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse