Prospective Study 3: Bab Agnoau Gate,
Marrakech, Morocco
|
|
Prepared by: ICCROM, |
Conclusions and Proposals
The principal aim of the
proposed study was to have the opportunity of studying subjects of mutual
interest to partners from different countries using the expertise available in
the participating laboratories to decide on a suitable common approach to
identifying conservation problems relevant to the Mediterranean area.
The Al Badii Palace
and Bab Agnaou Gate were selected for investigation because of their
historical importance, their serious state of conservation and to provide
general guidelines and common standards that can be used in further analogous
studies.
The results of Prospective
Study 3 have been very satisfactory especially in terms of scientific
activity and networking among scientists from different countries (Italy,
the United Kingdom, Malta and Morocco) and different disciplines.
In terms of capacity building, the founding of the first
multidisciplinary Moroccan research group (Groupe d’Etudes et de Recherches sur les Monuments
Historiques or GERMH) to work on the scientific analysis of
historic monuments is a major step forward. The group consisting of geologists,
chemists, physicists and art historians agreed to work together to create a
database on the historical development and state of conservation of the
monuments in Marrakech. As a result, they are trying to implement this policy
for the entire archaeological and architectural Moroccan heritage with a view
to establishing an ongoing programme of conservation treatment and site
management planning.
Following the example of the Prospective Study on these two monuments it
is important
to apply this experience to others areas in the region. The intention is to
establish common systems and procedures that make it possible to monitor the
state of conservation of the archaeological and architectural heritage and
programme works of restoration and conservation to safeguard the cultural
heritage.
Given the vastness and importance of this heritage and the difficulties
in finding financial resources, a programme to determine: which works should be
carried out, with what priority, and at what cost, would permit better use of
both the financial and professional resources available.
In this way, the present study would no longer represent an isolated
episode but rather the beginning of a constructive ongoing experience to
safeguard the cultural heritage of Morocco.