“Museum of the Rif” project launched to strengthen reconciliation and preserve the region’s heritage

The (Moroccan) National Human Rights Council (CNDH), the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), the Municipal Council of Al Hoceima and the Region of Taza – Taouanate – Al Hoceima signed a partnership agreement on the creation of the “Museum of the Rif”, at the end of the "Cultural Heritage of the Rif: What museography?" symposium.

This museum aims to promote the history of the region, the recent history in particular, at the local, regional and national levels. It also aims to encourage cultural dialogue, exchange of the different versions of memory, enhance the environmental development and cultural tourism in the region and create cultural métiers related to museum activities.

The project is in line with the implementation of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER)’s recommendations in the field of history, archive and memory. It aims at the rehabilitation of the museum building, conception of the content and parallel activities, its furniture, specialized training for its staff, and the development of national and international partnership.

The museum will be located in the city of Al Houceima. But it will have an impact on the entire region. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Driss El Yazami, CNDH President indicated that "this project is meant to rehabilitate the memory of Moroccans in general and the people of the Rif in particular”. “This rehabilitation is one of the main pillars of any human and local development”, he said. The project, he added, “aims to effectively contribute to the development of the region.” “It will not be a museum that only preserves the past. It will rather be an instrument to disseminate historical knowledge and citizenship education.” “Respecting the cultural heritage and encouraging development of scientific research on tangible and intangible heritage are conditions to such education", he specified.

The opening session of the said international symposium was held on July 15, 2011. A message sent by His Majesty the King to the participant of the 2-day symposium was read during this session. “The region has always been a place of communication and interaction with the Maghreb, the Euro-Mediterranean area, the Mashreq and Africa. It has thus shaped and acquired a distinct identity, combining local cultural elements, with input from external sources”, His Majesty said in his message.

He added: “I look forward to the emergence of a museum worthy of the distinct, historic contribution of the brave men and women of the Rif. I expect it to contribute, through its programmes and activities, to collecting scientific data pertaining to the material as well as immaterial heritage of the Rif region. I want it to raise awareness among the various actors dealing with the cultural heritage, as well as the relevant institutions, development agencies, elected bodies and civil society organizations, about the importance of local cultural resources, and their role in the promotion of sustainable development.”

“I also expect that this project will help disseminate historical information in the region, especially among young people, so that they may proudly regain ownership of their age-old history and their rich cultural heritage”