Marrakesh local association receives UNESCO intangible world legacy prize
Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Culture, 10/27/2001

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) granted on Friday the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Prize, financed by the United Arab Emirates, to a Marrakesh local association called "Djamaa el-Fna Square - Oral Heritage of Humanity for the safeguard and promotion of the cultural space of the Djamaa el-Fna Square."

The Moroccan association received the prize in recognition for its efforts to safeguard, protect and promote the square which was proclaimed by UNESCO as masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage. The same prize was awarded to the Association for the Zapara Nationality of Pastaza Province in Ecuador for the safeguard and promotion of the oral heritage and cultural manifestations of Zapara people of Ecuador and Peru.

The prize money, of differing amounts as provided by Member States, will be used to carry on and improve the work of these organizations, the UNESCO says in its website.

The cultural space of Djamaa el-Fna Square is located near the medina (old city) of Marrakesh. A cultural crossroads, local people as well as visitors use it as a central meeting place. They come for entertainment and trading - even medical treatment. They find storytelling, acrobatics, musical recitals, comic acts and stunts, dancing, animal shows, snake-charming, glass and fire-eating. Even dental, traditional herb medicine and henna tattoo businesses are established here. Trading includes fruit, bread, water-carrying and the rental of lanterns during the dark evenings.

Djamaa el-Fna Square dates back to the foundation of Marrakesh in 1070-1071, and since then has been the symbol of the city. Travelers have long extolled its cosmopolitanism and vibrancy. It has been protected by law since the 1920s.

The UNESCO warns that it is vulnerable to the threats posed by growth and modernization of the city, traffic, pollution, city development plans and tourism.

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