Rabat, Morocco — Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid embarked on a comprehensive tour of historical landmarks and heritage interpretation centers in Marrakech today, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to the preservation of its cultural legacy. The visit aimed to review restoration projects and initiatives designed to safeguard the nation’s heritage.
The minister commenced his tour with an assessment at the heritage interpretation centers at Bab Aylan and Bab Aghmat. These centers play a crucial role in connecting visitors with Morocco’s national heritage using modern interpretive tools. A subsequent field visit to the historic site of Aghmat, one of the oldest urban centers in the country, provided insight into the ongoing archaeological work.
The tour also included inspections of El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, renowned for their exceptional architecture and historical value. According to the Ministry of Culture, a significant portion of the visit was dedicated to evaluating the progress and maintenance work at major heritage sites affected by the Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023. This disaster claimed the lives of at least 3,000 individuals and displaced hundreds.
Minister Bensaid emphasized the importance of maintaining the authenticity and historical visual identity of these landmarks during rehabilitation efforts. He highlighted that these continuous visits align with a broader vision to enhance both tangible and intangible national heritage.
Morocco’s dedication to heritage preservation is evident in its consistent efforts to safeguard both tangible and intangible cultural assets. Last year, Minister Mehdi Bensaid vowed to enforce the provisions of Bill No. 33.
22, which aims to protect national heritage against appropriation. This bill follows significant archaeological discoveries that have placed Morocco on the global stage for advanced archeology and geology research.
Furthermore, the bill is part of Morocco’s strategy to promote its heritage, especially as the nation hosts prestigious events such as the 2023 World Cup. Minister Bensaid also referenced King Mohammed VI’s message to the 17th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which emphasized the need for preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the world.
Source: moroccoworldnews
