Ancient graves in Tangier turned into open dump sites

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 16:00

In Tangier, ancient graves dating back to Phoenician and Roman times are increasingly neglected, some located on the Hafa cliff in the Marshan district. These sites, carved directly into the rock, reveal silhouettes and shapes that speak to the city’s long Mediterranean history. Yet today, they are left exposed, vulnerable, and treated as informal passageways by locals and visitors unaware of their historical significance.

Once protected and studied by archaeologists, these graves now face deterioration. Rainwater accumulates, turning the excavations into stagnant, greenish pools, while litter from daily visitors mixes with the soil. Children play around the site, families enjoy picnics, and tourists photograph the area, often noticing the alarming state of neglect. The absence of protective barriers, informative signs, and basic facilities like trash bins contributes to the site’s degradation.

Experts, including Mohamed Métalsi, a specialist in Arab-Islamic cities, stress the urgent need to preserve these sites. These graves are tangible links to Tingis, the ancient Tangier, which was an important Phoenician port and later a Roman colony. Protecting them would honor the city’s heritage and provide educational and cultural value for future generations.

Simple measures could make a significant difference: installing discreet protective fences, informative panels, marked walking paths, benches, additional trash bins, soft lighting, and cultural mediators or site guardians. Engaging local residents, schools, and associations could transform this neglected area into a source of communal pride, a living memory, and a bridge between generations.

As the sun sets over Tangier, the graves remain silent witnesses to over two millennia of history. Their preservation is not only about stones and soil—it is about recognizing the deep, pre-Islamic roots of Morocco and giving Tangier the dignity it deserves.