The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has unveiled a project to restore and maintain the historical monument “Dar Moulay Hicham” in Demnate, transforming it into a center for showcasing Hebrew cultural heritage, as part of the regional development program for the period 2022-2027. This was stated in a written response from the minister to a parliamentary inquiry.
The ministry clarified that the restoration and renovation operations will be carried out in coordination with the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region council, emphasizing its efforts to regularize the legal status of the property, which is currently classified as unowned assets. This involves working with the Directorate of State Property to register the monument as part of state private property. Additionally, the regional cultural heritage preservation office has been preparing a registration file for “Dar Moulay Hicham” on the national heritage list since 2019, with the application approved by the classification committee.
An initial study covering architectural and technical aspects has revealed that the historical building features “csar,” a granary, and a neighboring garden, surrounded by a wall and defensive towers. Its architectural style resembles that of other kasbahs in Meknes and Tadla, making its restoration and reconstruction feasible according to scientific and technical standards.
In related efforts, a file has been prepared to classify the historical walls and gates of Demnate on the national heritage list, following comprehensive restoration operations by the ministry’s cultural sector in 2008, which was later followed by additional restoration efforts in coordination with the provincial council and regional ministry services. Only a small portion remains for the council to schedule for future restoration.
“Dar Moulay Hicham,” which was built by Sultan Moulay Hicham as a seat of governance and a political and economic center, is currently suffering from advanced neglect, having turned into dilapidated ruins that pose a security concern for nearby residents, threatening the historical memory of the city.
Researchers, local actors, and civil society are calling for urgent intervention to save the monument, suggesting its conversion into a local museum or a cultural and tourism site, which would bolster local identity and contribute to economic revitalization through cultural tourism.
