Borj Sidi Bounafae Restoration to be Completed in 2015

On Wednesday this week HM King Mohammed VI inspected the restoration work taking place on the historic Borj Sidi Bounafae in Fez

HM King Mohammed VI inspects restoration progress

The project is part of a major campaign costing around 285 million Dirhams (37 million dollars) undertaken restore and rehabilitate historical monuments in the old Medina of Fez.

In 2013 the King made a commitment to preserve the historical and civilizational character of the ancient city that was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981. The programme provides for the rehabilitation of 27 historical monuments including Medersas, Borjs, Foundouks, tanneries, walls and bridges.

The Borj restoration is a pilot project in the programme of restoration and rehabilitation of historical monuments whose framework agreements were signed on March 4, 2013 under the chairmanship of HM the King.

The various actions set under this programme are intended to contribute to strengthening tourist attraction of the Fez Medina, improving the built environment, enhancing socio-economic development of the city while preserving the authentic character of the Medina.

Ahmed Al Mansour

Fourteen of the 27 projects planned under this four-year programme (2013-2016) are underway, including the restoration of Borj Sidi Bounafae, built in 1550 by Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Assaadi.

The Borj was originally built to strengthen Fez' defence capabilities against external threats but it will now be converted into a museum. The work is expected to be completed by the middle of 2015 and cost 10.2 million Dirhams (1.3 million dollars)

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