Good news. The medina of Fez has once again recovered an architectural jewel and part of its history. Indeed, the restoration of Kissariat Al Kifah, the oldest mall in the medina, ended this week, after more than six months of intense work. “At the end of this beautification operation, the merchants of this historic center should begin decorating more than 560 stores, a real project which is beginning,” indicates Rachid Haloui, architect in charge of the project and former chief architect of the city.
Carried out at the initiative of the Sovereign, the rehabilitation of this kissariat mobilized hundreds of craftsmen, zelligeur maâllems, carpenters, masons and others for more than 180 days. This historically significant site is one of the 27 monuments in the medina of Fez, restored for a budget of more than 300 million DH. The operation should allow a revitalization of the kissariat, whose history remains linked to that of the independence of Morocco. The place also plays an important role as an essential commercial hub in the medina.
During the construction site, the work was monitored by Saïd Zniber, wali of the region, in person. The senior manager went there every weekend. Accompanied by Fouad Serrhini, director of the Regional Development and Rehabilitation Agency (Ader), Pasha, and the architect in charge of the project, Zniber is aware of the scale of the project.
Technically, the restoration work focused on the renewal of damaged roofs, frames, lighting, foundations, store doors, etc.
As a reminder, the kissariat was in an advanced state of disrepair. Located near the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, the building dates from the 1920s. It covers an area of 4,000 m², or 560 stores spread over 12 souks. Its aging has caused inconvenience for traders, tourists and visitors. Hence the rehabilitation project. This was launched last September. Estimated at more than 25 million DH, the makeover allowed the installation of signage within the souks, the construction of fountains and toilets. “The construction site hid many surprises from us,” underlines Haloui.
According to him, “the oldest part of the building, near Moulay Idriss, was, for example, built without any foundation.” “We redid more than 2.5 meters of beldi foundations. Meticulous work carried out in the same way,” he adds. In addition, the water and sanitation poles and networks were also refurbished. In addition to the rehabilitation of dilapidated roofs and their replacement with wood, as at the birth of this market in 1920, the kissariat benefited from new waterproofing on all its terraces, the upgrading of electrical installations and paving in brown-beige marble. In fact, the project aims to create a pleasant environment for traditional commerce. Thus, merchants, who should collect the keys to their stores this week, will discover a “luxurious” standard.
New wooden roofs (berchla) are installed. The same goes for store curtains. They are replaced by anti-intrusion aluminum shutters, wood color and motorized (automatic). “Everything is simmered around walls and fountains in zellige beldi… like a little paradise,” rejoice those responsible for the project. Same satisfaction with the majority of traders. They were all compensated. They received nearly 20,000 DH each (for 6 months). For them, the beautification operation should allow a revitalization of the kissariat.
source: leconomiste
