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Culture

Morocco's Douars: Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Face of Modernization

Tuesday 08 - 08:20

Zoom

Morocco's traditional rural communities, known as douars, are at a crossroads. As the nation grapples with modernization and climate change, these ancient settlements have become a focal point for researchers and policymakers seeking to balance preservation with progress.

To address this critical issue, the citizen initiative OTED is organizing a webinar on October 10 titled "Douars: Between Socio-Cultural Heritage and Institutional Dilution." The event aims to explore the unique role of douars in Moroccan society and discuss strategies for their preservation and development.

Douars have long served as cornerstones of Moroccan culture, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. These communities foster strong social bonds through shared values and experiences, creating a resilient social fabric. However, despite their cultural significance, douars lack formal recognition as territorial collectivities, leaving them vulnerable to the pressures of modern development.

The recent Al Haouz earthquake highlighted the importance of douars in times of crisis. Their traditional organizational model proved invaluable in providing support and assistance to affected communities, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to their preservation and development.

The upcoming webinar will delve into the douar's current status and explore its potential as a cohesive network capable of responding to modern challenges, including migration and climate change. One key focus will be the integration of local knowledge and cultural practices into educational curricula, ensuring the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations.

Additionally, the discussion will consider whether strengthening inter-douar cooperation should precede broader inter-communal collaboration. This approach could lay the groundwork for enhanced regional cooperation and a more unified approach to development and resource management.

The event will feature a panel of distinguished speakers, including:

1. Mohamed Tozy, a professor with four decades of teaching and research experience, who serves as the Deputy Director of Research at Sciences Po Aix.

2. Samira Mizbar, who holds a doctorate in comparative dynamics of developing societies and manages Gender and Social Inclusion at the Millennium Challenge Account Corporation-Morocco.

3. Mohamed Mahdi, a professor of rural sociology with extensive experience in rural development projects throughout Morocco.

As Morocco continues to navigate the complexities of modernization, the preservation and revitalization of douars remain crucial to maintaining the country's rich cultural tapestry. This webinar represents an important step in fostering dialogue and developing strategies to ensure these traditional communities can thrive in the face of contemporary challenges.