King of Morocco calls for international action to preserve world legacy
Morocco-International, Culture, 11/29/1999

King Mohammed VI of Morocco called this Monday for coordinating international action to rescue human cultural heritage arguing that "a loss incurred anywhere is a loss to humankind."

In a message to participants in the UNESCO world heritage committee currently holding its 23rd session in Marrakesh, the sovereign noted that limited means of some countries of the South may entail the loss of many treasures and essential aspects of the wealth of multiplicity.

He also said endeavors to preserve the world legacy has to "be a dynamic strategy to be integrated with (our) development plans, not an embalming of our heritage within a sacralized vision of the past," stressing that these efforts should be geared towards "establishing strong links between the legacy of the past and the present creativity of humans, for tomorrow's heritage is what we invent today."

The king also spoke of Morocco's experience in this realm, saying Morocco did not limit its action to resorting to foreign experts, but invited Moroccan specialists to take charge of this task and to train, in the process and on the working sites, talented younger people. He cited, as an example, the move by his father, the late King Hassan II, to bring together master craftsmen and two thousand youngsters to be trained in the traditional building and decoration when he decided to restore the Fes Royal Palace, seriously damaged during the French protectorate. He argued that this approach did not only rescue an important historical building, but also ensured the training of many artisans who contributed to the construction of two famous monuments: Mohammed V mausoleum in Rabat and the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, both representing the synthesis of Moroccan traditional architecture and decoration.

Morocco, continued the message that was read out by culture minister Mohamed Achaari, "sought to acquire knowledge of new modern techniques and scientific methodologies" in dealing with the study and restoration of monuments. The kingdom has also established ties of cooperation and exchange with many countries, encouraging many young Moroccans to undertake studies in archaeology, anthropology, ethnology, zoology, art history, applied physics and other disciplines. Just as it called distinguished experts, Morocco did not hesitate to send Moroccans abroad to help in various restoration works, said the king's message.

The sovereign further stressed the importance of verbally transmitted heritage in some countries, particularly in Africa where tradition was the source of education and training. "In this respect, the UNESCO decision to make of Jamaa Lafna Square in Marrakesh a listed site constitutes not only a world premiere which honors Morocco but it also serves as a praiseworthy and bold initiative opening the way for this sort of patrimony."

Previous Stories:
  Arab youths hold forum on world heritage in Morocco   (11/24/1999)
  Morocco hosts UNESCO's world heritage committee meeting   (11/22/1999)
  Arab youth hold forum on world heritage in Morocco   (11/19/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search