Publications
9. Tradition Versus Modernity in Heritage Preservation Discourse in Postcolonial Morocco
Heritage preservation in postcolonial Morocco challenges long-standing dichotomies such as traditional versus modern or oriental versus occidental, revealing their limitations and consequences. A case study of Jemaa el-Fna Plaza in Marrakesh's medina demonstrates how precolonial spatial conceptions have been dynamically renewed to create a contemporary heritage site that meets the needs of local populations while adapting to Morocco's evolving society. This research highlights the need for fluid, adaptive approaches to heritage preservation that transcend rigid binaries, offering a model for balancing tradition and modernity in globalized contexts.
From the Mellah in Marrakesh to Israel and back
This study reveals the complex heritage journey of the Jewish community from Marrakesh's Mellah to Israel and back, highlighting how cultural identity is constructed and preserved across borders. Using a combination of nationality documentation, photographs, in-depth interviews with Association founders, and a personal diary from a family 'roots trip,' the research constructs three heritage maps that visualize this cultural path. These maps provide insight into the community's navigation within dominant Zionist narratives in Israel while offering potential pathways for preserving and sharing traditional heritage across diverse ethnic groups. The findings underscore the fluidity of cultural identity and the role of heritage in bridging communal histories.
Green System Development in the Medinas of Tunis and Marrakesh—Green Heritage and Urban Livability
A novel approach to integrating urban green infrastructure (UGI) into the historic medinas of Tunis and Marrakesh demonstrates its potential to enhance livability while preserving cultural heritage. This study reveals that leveraging historical green systems—spanning medieval Islamic, colonial, and contemporary periods—can inform sustainable urban design, retaining intangible values such as biodiversity and microclimate regulation. By analyzing the morphological evolution of these UNESCO-listed sites, researchers propose a design guideline that balances modern UGI implementation with the preservation of historic green heritage, offering a scalable model for other dense urban cores in the Maghreb region.
Urban gentrification and its impacts on urban and architectural heritage appropriation: Marrakesh medina
Urban gentrification in Marrakesh's medina reshapes social and spatial dynamics while preserving its unique cultural identity. The study reveals that despite economic and social transformations, the medina retains a strong sense of belonging for inhabitants, a critical value that must be protected amid global urban changes. Researchers analyzed data from participatory observation and field interviews (2018–2019) alongside bibliographic sources to assess how gentrification affects architectural heritage appropriation. The findings underscore the need to balance cultural diversity with the preservation of the medina's distinct social, urban, and architectural specificities, ensuring its continued uniqueness as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Changes in the distribution of quantitative features of guest houses in the Medina of Marrakesh
A significant increase and redistribution of guest houses within the Medina of Marrakesh have been observed since the late 20th century, primarily driven by the conversion of historical residential buildings to accommodate tourism. This study reveals that between 1999 and 2008, guest houses became more concentrated in certain quarters, particularly those with higher average accommodation capacity, challenging earlier assumptions about their even distribution. Using cartographical methods, researchers mapped the localization and capacity changes over selected years, providing a quantitative analysis of how tourism development has reshaped the urban fabric of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is the call to prayer a call to cooperate? A field experiment on the impact of religious salience on prosocial behavior
Religious salience can significantly increase prosocial behavior among Muslim individuals in natural settings, according to a field study conducted in the souks of Marrakesh's medina. The research found that shopkeepers exhibited greater cooperation and fairness in an economic decision-making task when exposed to the Islamic call to prayer compared to when it was absent. This challenges previous mixed findings on religion and prosocial behavior by demonstrating its impact in a real-world, culturally relevant context. The study employed a dictator game-like experiment, providing novel evidence that religious rituals may serve as powerful cues for fostering cooperation beyond self-reported measures.
Urban design and architecture in the service of colonialism in Morocco
Colonial urban design and architecture in Morocco, particularly in the Medina of Marrakesh, continue to reflect French imperialist ideology and serve as tools of power and domination. The study demonstrates that contemporary urban spaces and architectural practices are directly linked to colonial legacies, perpetuating ambivalent discourses. By analyzing postcolonial Morocco, the research reveals how colonial regimes used urban design to justify their measures and impose specific ideologies, with lasting consequences on social and political processes.
Contested Spatialities, Lifestyle Migration and Residential Tourism
Lifestyle migration and residential tourism in the Medina of Marrakesh are marked by contested spatialities that reflect broader neocolonial dynamics. This edited volume reveals how lifestyle migrants—often drawn to Marrakesh for its cultural richness and affordability—disrupt local spatial order, leading to conflicts over land use, social integration, and political participation. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, analyzing gendered spatial practices, territorial dispossession, and the rearticulation of indigenous communities. It contrasts Marrakesh’s experience with other global cases, such as Spain, Chile, and Malaysia, highlighting how these migrations challenge traditional notions of place-making, capitalism, and sustainable development. The study underscores the need for policies that balance the benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage and equitable community engagement.
The Red City: Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh, known as the 'Red City,' stands out as one of Morocco's most significant historic medinas, encompassing 640 hectares with its ramparts, gates, monuments, gardens, markets, and a thriving craft industry. It serves as a cultural hub, particularly through Jamaâ El Fna square, which acts as an interface between the Medina and the broader urban area, fostering integration among diverse populations. The study highlights the Medina's demographic importance, housing 17.17% of Marrakesh's population (182,637 inhabitants) and representing a quarter of Morocco's old city dwellers. This research underscores the Medina's role in preserving heritage while mediating cultural exchange, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Sustainability of Urban Heritage Preservation: The Case of Marrakesh
Investments in tourism and residential housing in Marrakesh's Medina have significantly altered its economic, social, and physical landscape. The study finds that while these changes offer opportunities for sustainable urban heritage preservation, they also pose challenges that need careful management to ensure the Medina can serve as a viable model for other historic Moroccan towns. The research evaluates the impacts of recent developments and suggests strategies for balancing growth with heritage conservation.
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