Fez, a thousand-year-old city with universal heritage

Within the framework of the promotion and enhancement of the heritage of Fez, the FPF organised the fifth evening of the sessions dedicated to the heritage of the Idrissid city

A meeting-debate took place on 20 March at the amphitheatre of the Moulay Idriss high school in Fez, on the occasion of the centenary of its foundation. This focuses on scientific studies and aesthetic perspectives to shed light on the civilisational treasure of this imperial city, reveal the secret of its heritage which is both exceptional and authentic, and federate efforts in order to achieve the safeguarding and enhancement of this ancestral legacy considered as a lever for sustainable development of the city.

The academic session of the said evening, which was hosted by Mohammed El Idrissi, Nadhir of the Habous, and Mohammed Lebbar, an academic, focused on the role of the Habous and the customs of the Fassis to ensure social cohesion within the ramparts. It also concerned a study of a concrete case through the screening of a documentary film on the state of the Bimaristan Sidi Fraj monument, a hospital establishment designed on the model of Muslim hospitals.

During his intervention, Mohammed El Idrissi highlighted the different types of Habous as well as the role played among others by the Habous, public establishments, and works of general interest endowed with significant income. These are often Koranic schools or health or traditional education establishments, which are found within the spiritual capital to reflect Islamic values and perpetuate social solidarity, but also contribute to the prosperity of the city.

In the same context, Mohammed Lebbar highlighted the functions of these establishments such as the Abihbassa building to house the elderly, Dar Chyeukh reserved for the marriage of the visually impaired, or even the Bab Bni Msafer orchard dedicated to the destitute, as well as the completion of a significant number of public works serving as infrastructure for the city, such as drinking water supply canals and a set of Souks, shops, ovens, and hammams to create employment and generate income.

To end the fifth edition on a high note, the Darqaouia Association of Samaâ and Madih art performed to the great delight of the public present during this evening.

It should also be remembered that the fourth edition was organised on 30 April 2014 under the theme “The memory of Fez through the art of Malhoun”.

Provider / Source : Libération