In recognition of its history of preservation, restoration, and renovation of its architectural heritage, Morocco will be the guest of honor at the European Denkmal Fair that will be held in Leipzig, Germany, from November 7-9.
Dedicated to conservation, restoration, and old building renovation, this trade fair gathers experts from Germany and around the world every two years. Morocco will be the first African country ever to participate in the fair.
The conference program includes such topics as cultural heritage and earthen architecture in Morocco, reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage after the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco, examples of heritage valorization through new uses, valorization of local materials and innovations/needs and earth building regulations in the context of earthquake risks/knowledge transfer.
Moroccan exhibitors and speakers will include experts and engineering firms, inspection and testing companies, and educational institutions.
Zouhair Bennani, an engineer and expert in the evaluation and restoration of Morocco’s historical heritage in Essaouira who is participating in the fair, told Denkmal that he will discuss the richness of Morocco’s historical heritage and traditional techniques of earth building.
He hopes to establish partnerships with German professionals to work on “earthquake-proof restoration of the damaged buildings and the reconstruction of the destroyed houses following the earthquake that struck several regions in Morocco” last year, using local materials “in compliance with building regulations and Moroccan tradition and culture.”
“Morocco is a crossroads of civilizations due to its geographical and strategic location, its long history and its historical monuments, offering a great historical and cultural diversity and heritage, including various traditional building techniques and styles with specific embellishments of the Moroccan dynasties,” Bennani said.
He added that King Mohammed VI had highlighted in his speech after the earthquake on September 14, 2023, the importance of preserving Morocco’s historical heritage, particularly with respect to the reconstruction of villages, “while preserving the authentic cultural identity of the affected regions.”
Bennani noted that bringing together Moroccan and German expertise, both traditional and technological, will “provide appropriate and safe solutions for Moroccan heritage restoration projects.”
Such efforts will also “keep pace with the growing global trend to promote sustainable green building practices in harmony with the environment,” he said.