None of the ancient buildings and structures of the city of Mohammedia has been registered, despite their richness, on the heritage list. Even more surprising, the seaside city is not managing to safeguard and preserve the best of its history: its historical and architectural legacy.

A sad reality, a good part of the city's heritage has disappeared in total indifference. The will of the associations campaigning for the safeguarding of the heritage of Mohammedia has not been enough to save certain old buildings and thus reconcile the city of flowers with its history. For example, the Villa of Tranquillity, built in 1929 by Prince Charles Mural, the old Mohammedia station built in 1930, the Fedala Brickworks built in 1912, the Portuguese Bridge and recently the mythical Miami cinema and the old reception and summer centre which will in turn be destroyed. Other buildings and structures have been forgotten and are resisting as best they can the vagaries of time: the old buildings of the Kasbah, the casino, an emblematic building built in 1933, the Miramar built in 1938 and then closed for several years, the old water tower located in the Bellevue district which overlooks the city, built in 1956 and out of service since 1990. What a waste for a city that does not manage like other cities of the Kingdom to defend its heritage riches, custodians of a historical past of great richness!

"We must act," explains this inhabitant of the Kasbah, "especially since today the initiatives intervene in a context marked by a renewal of strategic reflection on old buildings. A census is necessary to revalue the rich heritage of Mohammedia which challenges everyone." Mohammedia, according to this student, has not set itself the objective of linking the past to the present and the future. The potential of the city has not vehemently claimed the safeguarding of its heritage riches.

Concrete has swept everything away, the situation risks worsening, hence the need to save what remains of the authentic character of the old urban fabrics. The seaside city with multiple vocations has changed, it is no longer the annex of Casablanca, but a city that is developing, which must keep its identity and integrate into its regional dimension. An effort has certainly been made. It concerned the redevelopment of part of the ramparts of the Kasbah, but has not been extended to the old buildings and warehouses which are increasingly fragile.

The heritage of the city of Mohammedia is the legacy of time. It is a living memory whose conservation necessarily involves the rehabilitation of these places. Each citizen is an actor of the city and not a spectator, that is why it is imperative to initiate citizens to a culture of the city and remain sensitive to the value of heritage and history. Mohammedia must campaign for the safeguarding of its heritage, an asset on which all efforts must be focused.

A festival dedicated to memory

"Dakira" (memory) is a festival that has just been born. The first edition took place a little over a month ago. "Dakira Mohammedia" has set itself the objective of giving more value and durability to the city, its history and its heritage. The objective, according to Mohammed Mfadel, president of the urban commune of Mohammedia, is to commemorate the historic visit of the late H.M. Mohammed V to Mohammedia. Certainly, this first edition was imbued with generosity, with a particular flavour and an urban mix, but for it to grow, it will be necessary to materialise ideas into concrete actions, namely to open as soon as possible a project to safeguard the Kasbah, its ramparts, its old buildings, the old grain warehouses, the water tower, Diour Lakraï, the fishermen's city, the Spanish quarter and that of the cliff...

While waiting for the upgrading and rehabilitation works to be launched, the festival was well received and gave the city another attraction. The "Dakira" Festival closed in the same way it began, in a good atmosphere punctuated by the traditional prize-giving ceremony for athletes and former glories, associations and certain media representatives. The riders who took part in the fantasia were also distinguished. When will it be the turn of the historical heritage of the city of flowers?