HM King Mohammed VI's message to the participants of the symposium

Praise be to God,

May peace and blessings be upon
the Prophet, his Kith and Kin.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to send you this message at the opening session of the international Symposium on « The Rif Cultural Heritage : What Museography ?».

The holding of this event in the city of Al Huceima, under my patronage, shows how committed I am to the protection of the cultural and historical heritage boasted by the Rif region and the city of Al Huceima, which, I cherish dearly, together with their brave people.

But I should like, first, to welcome all the participants, namely the prominent researchers in history, archeology, heritage and museography, as well as the representatives from national institutions and academic circles, and the various civil society actors, who are all keen to share views over the issues on the agenda of this important gathering.

This event is organised by the National Human Rights Council, in partnership with the Al Huceima City Council and the Taza-Al-Hoceima -Taounate Region’s Council. It is supported by the Council for the Moroccan Community Abroad, the Royal Institute for the Amazigh Culture, the National Archeology and Heritage Institute, in addition to qualified partners from abroad. The above factors lend the symposium a significant human-rights dimension, which reflects the pioneering role played by the Council. The latter has actually been upgraded and granted the status of a constitutional institution, as part of the national democratic option and the universal frame of reference that we have adopted to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in our country.

In this regard, I want to pay tribute to the National Human Rights Council for its dedicated effort to pursue, together with its partners, the implementation of the recommendations of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, whose action covers a wide range of areas, including those pertaining to community reparation for victims of gross violations of human rights, history and the preservation of memory. These are essential ingredients for the reinforcement of the Moroccan political model which has been recognized, regionally and worldwide, as a unique, pioneering pattern of transitional justice aimed at achieving equity and reconciliation.

We therefore insist that due attention should be paid to preserving the collective memory of Moroccans, as an essential step on the path to building a full-fledged democratic society. This is a far-reaching project that we are all trying to preserve and consolidate, while pressing ahead with our endeavours to reconcile Moroccans with their history, transcending the shortfalls of the past, and focusing rather on preserving the present.

I want them to continue to be deeply and strongly committed to the ongoing project for democratic reform and comprehensive development which I have initiated, while the Moroccan people, through a free, honest referendum, endorsed a new constitution for the kingdom. Whether by its methodology or its substance, or the way it was prepared, this is an advanced, democratic constitution, made by Moroccans for all Moroccans.

Another factor which contributes to making this symposium a special event, is that it is convening in the wake of the establishment of the Morocco Archives Institution which I have entrusted with the mission of looking after, maintaining, preserving and organizing the nation’s heritage and archives, as a cultural asset owned by all Moroccans. I therefore call on all stake holders to step up efforts to enable this new institution to discharge its mission in the best possible way and see to it that our national archives reflect the depth of Morocco’s history and civilization.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Given the stature of the researchers and experts from here and abroad, I am confident that your symposium will contribute to shaping a scientific, objective vision and gaining a deeper insight into the history of the Rif region and its time-honored heritage, as one of the genuine components of the united Moroccan identity, with all its tributaries and ramifications.

The region has always been a place of communication and interaction with the Maghreb, the Euro-Mediterranean area, the Mashreq and Africa. It has thus shaped and acquired a distinct identity, combining local cultural elements, with input from external sources.

The research papers and studies which are going to be presented at this gathering in connection with the various historical stages that the Rif region has gone through, up to the modern era, as well as the various manifestations of the material cultural heritage, including monuments, buildings and sites, and the local creative work, in addition to the immaterial aspects of heritage, such as music, songs, customs and traditions which, all combined, will provide a solid foundation for the setting up of a special museum for the region.

I look forward to the emergence of a museum worthy of the distinct, historic contribution of the brave men and women of the Rif. I expect it to contribute, through its programmes and activities, to collecting scientific data pertaining to the material as well as immaterial heritage of the Rif region. I want it to raise awareness among the various actors dealing with the cultural heritage, as well as the relevant institutions, development agencies, elected bodies and civil society organizations, about the importance of local cultural resources, and their role in the promotion of sustainable development.

I also expect that this project will help disseminate historical information in the region, especially among young people, so that they may proudly regain ownership of their age-old history and their rich cultural heritage.
It is my hope that this museum will contribute to the emergence of a new pattern that can be emulated by other regions and areas in the kingdom. This is all the more important as the regionalization policy advocates the values of democracy, development and solidarity, as enshrined in the new in the constitution.

Furthermore, it calls for the consolidation of local, participatory, socially- oriented democracy, and for the enhancement of the cultural and historical roots of the various regions of our country, and of their specific regional and local features. This implies the need for a united, region-based Morocco to upgrade and modernize the state’s structures. It calls for good governance policies based on the balanced distribution of powers between central government and the regions, within the framework of out-reach democracy which makes it possible for each region to capitalize on its potentialities, and express its genius and its distinct personality, within the crucible of the united Moroccan identity, and in accordance with a sound, scientific methodology.

I, therefore, call on the nation’s scientific research institutions and scholars, especially historians, archeologists and heritage specialists, to devote more attention and energy to probing the history and the heritage of the various regions of our country, in a way which allows the promotion of their specific characteristics.

I encourage them to publish the conclusions of their work, disseminate them on the largest possible scale and make them available to researchers, those who are interested and the public at large.
Similarly, I urge local governments and elected bodies to pay due attention to cultural and heritage- related resources, both locally and at the regional level. This is a property owned by all Moroccans. It is part and parcel of their time-honored heritage and civilization.

I should like, by way of conclusion, to commend the praiseworthy efforts made by organized institutions and stakeholders, especially the President and the Secretary General of the National Human Rights Council, as well as the participants, from various backgrounds and with different leanings, who are taking part in this important symposium
Once again, welcome to the beautiful city of Al Huceima, the pearl of the Mediterranean, where we wish you a pleasant stay. This city which means so much to me is enjoying steady progress and regaining a status worthy of the history of its region, its outstanding position and its endearing people.

May Almighty God grant you guidance and success in your endeavours.

Wassalamu Alaïkum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Mohammed VI
King of Morocco

The Royal Palace, Tetuan
12 July 2011