According to a VNA correspondent in Africa, the largest archaeological excavation campaign since Morocco's independence has been launched at the Sijilmassa site, near the city of Rissani in the Drâa‑Tafilalet region, southwestern Morocco.
The project, led by the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP), in collaboration with international experts, especially Professor Asmae El Kacemi, aims to fully reveal the magnificent past of a prominent medieval trading center.
From 2024-2025, archaeologists excavated an area of about 8,000 m2, using advanced technology such as 3D modeling and high-resolution drones to record and analyze ancient architecture.
Through this, they identified the urban structure including the street network, houses, defensive towers and the earliest planned streets of Sijilmassa; especially the metal mint and many decorative wooden objects from the Alawi period - which have never appeared in previous studies.
According to Dr. Lahcen Taouchikht (INSAP), the new findings decipher the urban organization, economic role and power symbol of Sijilmassa in the history of the Tafilalet region and its connection with the Sahara.
This is also the largest archaeological campaign in Morocco after excavations that took place from the 1970s to the 1990s, carried out on a limited scale by American, French and Italian teams.
In particular, the project to restore and preserve the relic site, with a total estimated cost of about 245.5 million dirhams (equivalent to 24.5 million USD), is being implemented by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.
The plan includes the construction of an archaeological park, museum, modern research center, protective wall and scientific analysis station.
This is an effort by the Moroccan government to restore the heritage of the famous ancient city that was once a North-African trade crossroads, playing a key role connecting with the medieval kingdoms of Ghana and Senegal.
The government wants to promote Sijilmassa as an international cultural-historical destination, raising the position of Moroccan heritage on the global tourism and archaeological research map./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/he-lo-nhieu-phat-hien-lich-su-chua-tung-co-qua-cuoc-khai-quat-quy-mo-tai-maroc-post1051987.vnp
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