2023-09-09 16:46:37
It is one of the symbols of Morocco that was affected. The Jemaa el-Fna square, the most important place in the medina (Editor’s note, the old town) of Marrakech, bore the brunt of the magnitude 7 earthquake which hit the ocher city on Friday September 8 and caused the death of at least 1,000 people. Indeed, this brewing place which embodies the identity of Marrakech suffered damage, affecting part of the Kharbouch mosque.
Part of the minaret on the facade of the building was destroyed by the earthquake, as shown in images shared on social networks.
Around this triangular square which is the scene, day and night, of commercial activities and entertainment, several homes and historic houses were ravaged, forcing tourists and residents to evacuate. Several hundred victims slept on the ground in Jemaa el-Fna square, for fear of aftershocks from the earthquake, according to an AFP correspondent.
The city’s most famous mosque under threat
Just a few hours after the earthquake, in the early morning, many people were present on this site classified as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. UNESCOwhere activity had already resumed with many stands that opened, thanks in particular to the solidarity of the inhabitants.
Sad image this morning place Jemaa El Fna ???? but there is incredible solidarity!!! Everyone cares about each other’s well-being, that’s the Moroccan people ????????
For those who are there, consider donating your blood #Morocco ❤️???????? pic.twitter.com/bU057BNYTT— Sana Iffach (@IffachSana) September 9, 2023
Famous for welcoming street storytellers, dancers, Arab or Berber singers and even monkey trainers, this place had already been the scene of a tragedy in April 2011, after being hit by an attack.
A few hundred meters away, the emblematic Koutoubia mosque, famous for its magnificent 77 m high minaret, was affected and is also threatened following this earthquake. The tremors caused major cracks in its centuries-old structure. Local authorities immediately closed the site and appealed for help to save this architectural treasure in the country’s top tourist destination.
Terrifying images of the Koutoubia minaret during the earthquake.
Symbol of the power of the Almohad Empire, this mosque built in 1196 had for a long time the highest minaret in the Muslim world (77 m). pic.twitter.com/9hFcLVjGur
— MM ۞ (@MoorishMovement) September 9, 2023
Many facades have collapsed in the medina, where the buildings made of bricks and earth are very old, which explains the considerable material damage in the city center of Marrakech, more than anywhere else in the city.
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