The city of Fes has recently turned a new page in its rich history, marking the relocation of the remains from the well-known grave of Sidi Al-Makhfi to the Abou Bakr Al-Arabi Cemetery. This significant event has reignited interest in a site that has been a focal point of local lore and intrigue for decades. The grave of Sidi Al-Makhfi, which stood alone amidst a desolate plot near the historic Boujloud Square, had long captivated the curiosity of both residents and visitors alike. It was notably the last remnant of an ancient cemetery that once housed numerous graves, most of which were removed during the urban redevelopment initiatives of the 1960s.
Over the years, Sidi Al-Makhfi's grave became the subject of countless folk tales shared among the locals. Many believed that digging machinery would malfunction whenever they approached the site, while others recounted eerie incidents linked to the grave, including a severe illness affecting a bulldozer operator tasked with its removal. Such narratives contributed to a plethora of miraculous tales attributed to the site, fostering a sense of reverence among some and skepticism among others. Some locals dismissed the grave as merely an ordinary burial site that survived the exhumation efforts, arguing that the surrounding myths were simply part of Fes's rich tapestry of folklore.
In recent years, the grave gained notoriety as the land surrounding it was transformed into a modern parking facility adjacent to the historic Bab Makina. Despite these urban changes, the grave remained in its original location, juxtaposing contemporary development with remnants of the city's historical burial practices. With the recent transfer of the remains to their new resting place, one of the most frequently recounted tales in the community draws to a close. However, the story of Sidi Al-Makhfi will undoubtedly linger in the collective memory of many Fassis, forever intertwined with the vibrant narrative landscape of the ancient city of Fes.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
