Marrakech, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and historic charm, has demonstrated remarkable resilience following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in September. The quake, which caused extensive damage in the nearby Atlas Mountains, left the city’s ancient structures and riads in ruins. However, in the months following the disaster, Marrakech has undergone a remarkable transformation, swiftly returning to its former glory.
Sitting at the Café de France, a historical landmark since 1912, the city’s recovery is evident. The once-damaged Jemaa el-Fna square is now bustling with life, hosting musicians, dancers, and storytellers, just like before. The swift clean-up and restoration efforts have been commendable, with almost no visible signs of the earthquake’s impact.
James Wix, an Englishman residing in Marrakech for over a decade and owner of Le Farnatchi, a boutique hotel, praised the government’s efforts. “The clean-up was incredibly fast. The city was back to normal in just three days,” he shared. Wix’s own hotel, with 400-year-old walls, had to shut down temporarily for repairs. The crisis was turned into an opportunity to modernize and redecorate, with overwhelming support from loyal guests worldwide.
The luxury Royal Mansour hotel, adhering to stringent anti-seismic regulations, stood unscathed. Its director, Jean-Claude Messant, shared his experience managing the aftermath, from ensuring staff safety to sending aid to affected mountain villages. The hotel’s 24-hour bakery produced thousands of loaves daily for distribution, showcasing a strong community spirit.
The medina, the heart of Marrakech, is a labyrinth of skilled artisans, including weavers, tanners, and metal workers. Their survival is closely tied to tourism. Despite fears, the souks are now thriving again, with international visitors returning in large numbers.
Abdul Latif Enosse, a designer at Caftan Soltana boutique, noted the temporary impact on supplies from quake-hit Atlas villages. Yet, the demand for their unique Moroccan textiles remains strong, promising a steady recovery in production.
Tourist guide Younes Ajana highlighted the local community’s immediate response, raising significant funds and providing essentials to quake victims. His optimism for the future is echoed by others in the city.
Despite visible damage in some backstreets, reconstruction is underway. Craftsman Khalid Bousfiha, whose atelier was destroyed, has found a temporary workspace, with continued demand for his mosaic skills. Similarly, Riad Dar Kleta, a 300-year-old building owned by Julien and Françoise Gaumont, is set to reopen after extensive repairs, with government support and new bookings signaling a positive outlook.
Marrakech’s post-earthquake recovery is not just a testament to its physical rebuilding but also to the resilience of its people. The community’s united front, government’s swift action, and the returning flow of tourists signify a city reborn, ready to embrace its future while preserving its rich heritage.
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