Several historic public fountains in Tangier’s old medina have taken on a new look. Known for their diverse architectural styles, a number of these fountains, built during the last century, have been renovated using materials including stone, marble and zellige tile. They are also decorated with geometric patterns and raised carvings that reflect the creativity of Moroccan artisans.
After many of the old public fountains in Tangier’s historic neighborhoods faced the threat of neglect and disappearance, the Tangier regional authorities launched a program aimed at preserving this longstanding heritage. The initiative includes comprehensive restoration projects designed to revive these structures and restore them to their former condition, particularly as Tangier’s fountains have recently been attracting dozens of foreign tourists.
The regional authorities designed the program to cover all the public fountains that form an essential part of the old medina’s urban fabric, considering them a prominent testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of Tangier’s traditional artisans.
The renovation and restoration of these public fountains in Tangier, for which substantial funding has been allocated, reflects the regional authorities’ continued attention to the old medina. Like other cities across the Kingdom, the city is preparing to host the World Cup and major sporting and cultural events in the coming years.
Public fountains, sometimes known as “sabila,” represent a renewed presence within Tangier’s old medina while also serving as part of the city’s historical memory. They symbolize generosity and giving, as well as a vital source of water for passersby seeking to quench their thirst.
Read also : A new look for Ouled Ziane: Morocco’s largest bus terminal 70% through major renovation
According to historians, the history of fountains in Tangier generally dates back to the Middle Ages. They flourished during the Marinid era and reached their peak in the final decades of the 18th and 19th centuries, when these structures received considerable attention from the sultans of Morocco’s successive ruling dynasties.
Today, Tangier’s fountains have become an essential element of the identity of its historic districts. Restoring and preserving them embodies the values of cooperation and solidarity within the community, while also showcasing Tangier’s distinctive architecture and serving as works of art that reflect the creativity of the city’s artisans and artists.
