In Memoriam: Hamid Tarek, A Passionate Historian and Cultural Advocate
The Moroccan cultural and academic landscape mourns the loss of esteemed researcher and historian Professor Hamid Tarek, whose legacy is deeply rooted in the preservation of Moroccan and Andalusian heritage. Throughout his illustrious career, Tarek dedicated his efforts to safeguarding the historical and architectural memory of Morocco, producing significant research, studies, and publications that have become essential references in urban history, tangible and intangible heritage, architectural arts, ceramics, and spiritual pathways.
Renowned as one of Morocco's foremost experts in heritage, Tarek accumulated decades of scientific experience, blending academic research with fieldwork and historical documentation. This extensive background enabled him to assume advisory roles with several international institutions specializing in heritage conservation. For a decade, he served as an academic consultant for the El Legado Andalusí Foundation in Granada and collaborated as a scientific expert with the Arab World Institute in Paris and the Aga Khan Foundation for architecture in Geneva.
Tarek's research contributions received international acclaim, culminating in prestigious recognitions such as the Grand Medal of Arts, Sciences, and Letters from the Academy of Paris, along with the Grand Atlas award presented by the French Embassy in Morocco for his authoritative work on the ancient school of Marrakech titled Médersa de Marrakech.
Leaving behind a substantial academic legacy, Tarek authored over twelve books that explored the history and cultural transformations of Moroccan cities. Among his notable works are Fès… mille deux ans d’histoire (2008), Fès… l’âme du Maroc (2015), and his comprehensive examination of Marrakech titled Marrakech… Histoire et monuments. Additionally, his reference work on the city of Safi and its ceramics, La colline des potiers… Histoire de la ville de Safi et de sa céramique, and the documentary book Maroc… Magie des lieux created in collaboration with the Arab World Institute in Paris stand testament to his dedication.
Even in his later years, Tarek was engaged in a long-term research project focusing on the Alhambra Palace in Andalusia, a work that demanded extensive years of research and documentation, further solidifying his commitment to enhancing the shared memory between Morocco and Andalusia.
In the city of Safi, Professor Hamid Tarek was instrumental in several pioneering cultural initiatives, being one of the founders of the "Memory of Safi" Association. His efforts led to an unprecedented documentation project that lasted three years, culminating in a traveling exhibition that highlighted a millennium of the city’s history. He was also a key contributor to the project that cataloged and classified the city's historical landmarks and developed a tourist signage map. His reference book, Céramique de Safi entre histoire et gestes ancestraux, chronicled the memory and authenticity of Safi ceramics.
Additionally, Tarek showed a profound interest in heritage conservation issues, forming scientific partnerships with the University of Évora in Portugal to provide the necessary technical expertise for the preservation of the Bay Palace monument in Safi. He actively participated in ongoing scientific efforts to enhance the spiritual pathways within the city, particularly the Sheikh’s Monastery and the Sidi Chaker Monastery, and sought support from UNESCO to classify Safi ceramics within the lists of human heritage.
The passing of Professor Hamid Tarek signifies a significant loss for Morocco, as the nation bids farewell to one of its foremost guardians of historical memory. Tarek firmly believed that heritage is not merely a preserved past found in books but is a living identity that deserves continuous exploration, documentation, and preservation.
As reported by kechpresse.com.
