Morocco opened an exhibition featuring returned archaeological fossils on Wednesday at the Sidi Abderrahmane archaeological site in Casablanca.
The exhibition showcases a collection of a 56 million-year-old crocodile skull returned from the United States, trilobite specimens and shark teeth dating back approximately 500 million years from Chile, and a fossil representing a crocodilian species retrieved from Germany dating back around 200 million years.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, said: “Through agreements with friendly countries such as the United States, Chile, and Germany, fossils of scientific, historical, and cultural importance were recovered.” He announced that the fossils are on display to “acquaint citizens and visitors with the ancient and rich history of the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Bensaid added the ministry joined forces with Moroccan researchers and archaeologists to engage citizens in ecological concepts by animating these spaces, seeking to capture the interest of youth and future generations and introduce them to this area.
He also highlighted Morocco’s antiquity and history, saying that “this initiative starts in Casablanca and will extend to other archaeological sites across the country.”
Nabila Rmili, President of the Casablanca City Council, noted that “the opening ceremony is part of a partnership between the Casablanca City Council and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication to enhance the city’s cultural scene.”
She pointed out that “the archaeological site is a valuable asset for Casablanca residents, offering them a close look into the ancient history of Casablanca and Morocco through the displayed fossils.”
Abdeljalil Bouzouggar, Director of the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP), stated that “the exhibition’s inauguration celebrates the return and restitution of several animal bones that were illegally exported to Germany, the United States, and Chile.” He also underscored the importance of the recovered fossils.
Bouzouggar also mentioned that “the Sidi Abderrahmane site is an important archaeological site not only for Casablanca’s ancient history but also for the history of Morocco and North Africa.”
The attendees of the inauguration ceremony were ambassadors from Germany and Chile, the Secretary-General of the Casablanca-Settat region, and various political, artistic, and cultural figures.
A dazzling light drone show was part of the “Nostalgia – Emotions of Yesteryear” event launched by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in several cities.
The Sidi Abderrahmane archaeological site in Casablanca will host these light shows until July 2 to revive heritage and history in a new and innovative manner. Casablanca is the fifth city to host the “Nostalgia – Emotions of Yesteryear” shows after Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, and Chefchaouen.