Remembering Hamid Tirki: A Champion of Moroccan Heritage
The Moroccan cultural and academic landscape has suffered a significant loss with the passing of esteemed historian and researcher, **Hamid Tirki**. Known for his profound dedication to the preservation of Moroccan and Andalusian heritage, Tirki devoted his career to advocating for the historical and architectural memory of the kingdom. His extensive research, scholarly studies, and published works have become essential references in the documentation of urban history, tangible and intangible heritage, architectural arts, ceramics, and spiritual pathways.
As one of Morocco's foremost experts in heritage, Tirki amassed decades of scientific experience that seamlessly blended academic inquiry, fieldwork, and historical documentation. This unique combination of expertise enabled him to serve in advisory roles for various international institutions dedicated to heritage preservation. Notably, he held the position of academic advisor at the **El Legado Andalusí** Foundation in Granada for ten years and collaborated as a scientific expert with the Arab World Institute in Paris and the **Aga Khan** Foundation for Architecture in Geneva.
A Legacy of Scholarly Contributions
Tirki's research contributions garnered international recognition, culminating in prestigious accolades including the Grand Medal of Arts, Sciences, and Letters from the Academy of Paris and the **Grand Atlas** award from the French Embassy in Morocco for his seminal work on the ancient school of Marrakech, **“Médersa de Marrakech.”** Over his lifetime, he authored over twelve books that explored the history and cultural transformations of Moroccan cities. Among his notable publications are **“Fès… mille deux ans d’histoire”** (2008), **“Fès… l’âme du Maroc”** (2015), and **“Marrakech… Histoire et monuments.”** His work on the city of Safi and its ceramics, **“La colline des potiers… Histoire de la ville de Safi et de sa céramique,”** as well as his documentary book **“Maroc… Magie des lieux,”** produced in collaboration with the Arab World Institute in Paris, stand as testaments to his dedication to Moroccan heritage.
Even in his later years, Tirki remained engaged in research projects such as the Alhambra of Andalusia, a comprehensive endeavor that required years of meticulous research and documentation. His work served to reinforce the shared historical memory between Morocco and Andalusia.
In the city of Safi, he was instrumental in numerous pioneering cultural initiatives as a co-founder of the **Memory of Safi Association**, contributing to an unprecedented three-year documentation project that culminated in a traveling exhibition celebrating a millennium of history tied to the coastal city. He played a critical role in cataloging historical landmarks, creating a tourist signage map, and publishing **“Céramique de Safi entre histoire et gestes ancestraux,”** which preserved the legacy and authenticity of Safi’s ceramics.
Tirki’s passion extended to the preservation of heritage, fostering scientific partnerships with the University of Évora in Portugal to provide technical expertise for the rescue of the **Palace of the Sea** in Safi. He continuously engaged in efforts to enhance the spiritual pathways in the city, notably the **Ribat of the Sheikh** and **Ribat of Sidi Chaker**, and sought UNESCO support to classify Safi's ceramics as part of the global heritage.
With the passing of Professor Hamid Tirki, Morocco loses one of its most formidable guardians of historical memory. He firmly believed that heritage is not merely a relic of the past confined to books but a living identity deserving of research, documentation, and protection. His legacy will undoubtedly stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of Moroccan history and culture.
As reported by kechpresse.com.
