Marrakech's Historical Significance Highlighted
The Almohad water cisterns of Sidi Bou Othmane, dating back to the 12th century, have been officially included in the Heritage Days circuit of Marrakech, as part of the thematic journey titled "Water, a Centuries-Old Historical Heritage." This significant integration, which took place on April 18, 2026, is organized by the Turath Association and underscores the remarkable engineering achievements of the Almohad dynasty in hydraulic infrastructure.
This recognition follows years of dedicated efforts aimed at unveiling and enhancing the value of this historical site. Notably, the cisterns were listed as national heritage in January 2024, marking a crucial step in their institutional acknowledgment. The initiative is a result of a strategic alliance focused on regional development, driven by OTED and the province of Rhamna, collaborating with a wide ecosystem of partners including UM6P, Cadi Ayyad University, ANEF, OFPPT, the Museum of Water, the Jbilet municipality, and various ministries such as Education and Culture, alongside numerous institutional and academic stakeholders.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
At the heart of this initiative is a structured and progressive approach that emphasizes continuous engagement with local communities and multi-stakeholder consultations. This collaborative effort has led to the development of a shared vision for the future of the site. As part of this dynamic, a co-constructed roadmap was created in July 2024, outlining strategies for site preservation, community education, and local economic enhancement, all founded on a strong sense of community ownership.
Several concrete actions were implemented leading up to this inclusion in the Heritage Days. These included the creation of educational guides for schools in the Rhamna province and the organization of awareness workshops for local students. Additionally, a community cleanup initiative in 2025 saw the participation of over a hundred volunteers, showcasing the project’s ability to unite people around the preservation of heritage.
The inclusion of the Almohad cisterns in the Heritage Days circuit represents a significant milestone in this ongoing journey. It aligns with the Rhamna Geopark initiative, a comprehensive territorial project aimed at promoting a network of geo-sites with substantial scientific, educational, and ecotourism potential, in accordance with the standards of UNESCO Global Geoparks.
As reported by lavieeco.com.
