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Join on Telegram Rabat – In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Marrakech on Friday, UNESCO officials are expressing deep concerns about the city’s cultural heritage.
Eric Falt, the Regional Director of the UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, conducted a two-hour assessment of the city’s historic Medina and shared his observations.
“After a disaster like this, the most important thing is to preserve human lives,” Falt stated.
“But it is also necessary to immediately plan for the second phase, which will include the reconstruction of schools and cultural assets affected by the earthquake,” he added.
Known for its rich cultural history and iconic landmarks, Marrakech is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. The earthquake has left a significant impact on these treasures.
Damage from the earthquake extended to the iconic Koutoubia Minaret, which has suffered substantial cracks. The minaret of the Kharbouch Mosque in Jemaa El Fnaa Square has also experienced near-total destruction.
In addition, multiple sections of the city’s historic walls have been damaged. The most severely affected area appears to be the Mellah, the city’s ancient Jewish quarter, where the destruction of historic homes is particularly distressing.
In a statement, UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, expressed solidarity with the Moroccan government and its people and emphasized the importance of understanding the full extent of the catastrophe.
“It can already be said that they are much more significant than expected,” noted Falt, highlighting the unexpected severity of the damage. The earthquake’s impact on Marrakech’s cultural heritage is expected to be a long-term challenge that will require careful restoration and preservation efforts.
The earthquake that had hit several regions in Morocco is by far the worst in Morocco’s modern history.
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