A devastating earthquake that struck Morocco has caused significant damage to one of the country's most important historical sites located in the High Atlas Mountains. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.8, has particularly affected the Tinmel Mosque, a structure made from adobe and stone that dates back to the 12th century. This mosque was established by a medieval family that played a crucial role in opening North Africa and Spain to the Almohad state.
According to Moroccan media reports, parts of the Tinmel Mosque collapsed due to the earthquake that occurred late last Friday. In response to inquiries from Reuters regarding the mosque's damage, a source from the Moroccan Ministry of Culture stated that the ministry has decided to allocate a budget for its restoration, although specific details were not disclosed.
The Tinmel Mosque is located in a remote valley of the Atlas Mountains, where the Almohad state established its first capital before capturing Marrakech and declaring its leader as Caliph. This historical site is not only significant for its architectural grandeur but also for its cultural and religious importance, having been a center of Islamic learning and governance.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported receiving news of the substantial damage inflicted on the Tinmel Mosque and is considering proposals to include it among its World Heritage Sites. UNESCO is currently awaiting the deployment of a team to assess the extent of the damage.
The earthquake has led to the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives and is noted as one of the most damaging seismic events in the region since at least 1900. The tremors have resulted in the destruction of old buildings throughout the High Atlas Mountains and the collapse of adobe and stone houses in numerous villages.
Furthermore, the old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also suffered damages, including the collapse of a minaret and parts of the city’s historic walls, alongside several ancient homes. The Moroccan Ministry of Equipment announced that it has opened the main roads affected by the earthquake, with over 90% of secondary roads now accessible.
As life gradually returns to normal in the earthquake-stricken areas, an ambitious reconstruction plan has been unveiled by the royal cabinet. On Friday, the Minister Delegate in charge of the budget in Morocco, Fouad Laqjaa, revealed that the earthquake has caused damage to approximately 2,930 villages inhabited by 2.8 million people in the Atlas Mountains.
The Moroccan royal cabinet has disclosed details regarding a comprehensive project aimed at rehabilitating the areas affected by the Al-Haouz earthquake, alongside mechanisms for financing this substantial initiative.
As reported by alghad.tv.
