Creating the first national archaeological map of Morocco

The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Culture Sector announced that it has created, in partnership with the National Agency for Land Conservation, Cadastral Survey and Cartography, the “first national archaeological map of Morocco”, as part of the inventory of the national cultural heritage and the proper management of archaeological monuments and sites.

A statement received by Hespress explained that “this document is considered a guide to the known archaeological sites according to the data and information provided by the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage and the Directorate of Cultural Heritage.”

The same source added that “with the exception of the classical archaeological sites dating back to different periods, from prehistoric times to the modern era, other archaeological sites have been discovered as a result of the tremendous work carried out by the two aforementioned institutions, through programmed archaeological research and organized archaeological excavations by the scientific teams affiliated with these two institutions, in addition to the efforts made during the inventory of cultural heritage operations.”

The statement stressed that “this map currently includes a collection of archaeological sites that were previously published in a number of regions such as Dakhla, Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Asilah and the Oriental region, and will soon include other archaeological sites in the regions of Tan-Tan, Zagora, Tamanart, Rehamna, and Beni Mellal-Khenifra. It is also a major workshop for Moroccan archaeology, which requires continuous updating to keep pace with discoveries and developments in surveying and inventory operations.”

After the statement indicated that “this map, which will be continuously enriched with new data in the process of publication, is considered an important document for archaeology and national archaeological monuments,” it stated that “a regional atlas is being prepared that will contribute to the creation of tourist plans that take into account the cultural heritage, including archaeology, in partnership with the National Agency for Land Conservation, Cadastral Survey and Cartography.”

The same source recalled that the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Culture Sector “is developing, through the efforts of the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage and the Directorate of Cultural Heritage, a project of ‘anticipatory’ digital regional maps that will enable the establishment of a vigilance system to combat the disappearance of archaeological sites. This pioneering experience in Africa will contribute to identifying priority areas for archaeological survey.”

It is noteworthy that “the archaeological map is considered a scientific document that will contribute to understanding this part of the national heritage, and will be available to researchers and students, and will also enable archaeological sites to be taken into consideration in national land development and cultural tourism projects.”