The completion of the rehabilitation project, launched in 2019 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI as part of the initiative to restore and enhance the medina of Fès, was celebrated last Wednesday in the presence of distinguished guests, including Nobel Prize-winning physicists Alain Aspect and Serge Haroche.
«I am honored to visit this museum, which hosts an important exhibition on the history of Morocco and its relations with Spain and Portugal,» said Serge Haroche. A native of Casablanca and a Nobel laureate in quantum physics, Haroche emphasized that «the Al Batha Museum offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the cultural exchanges between pre-Islamic and Islamic civilizations, and that Morocco stands as a unique and exceptional model of interfaith coexistence and tolerance.» A similar sentiment was shared by Alain Aspect, who praised «the quality of the expert explanations provided on the cultural treasures housed within this extraordinary venue.»
Invited by the Euromed University of Fès (UEMF) to discuss major scientific advancements during the centenary of quantum physics, Serge Haroche and Alain Aspect also took the opportunity to express their admiration for Morocco’s cultural vision. During their visit, the two distinguished scholars immersed themselves in the rich history of Islamic arts, accompanied by: Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Foundation of Museums (FNM), Mouaâd Jamaï, Wali of the Fès-Meknès region, Abdelouahed El Ansari, President of the Fès-Meknès Regional Council, Mostapha Bousmina, President of UEMF, Abdeslam Bekkali, Mayor of Fès. Before these esteemed guests, Mehdi Qotbi emphasized that «The Al Batha Museum, one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in Morocco, stands out for its historical and cultural significance.» He further highlighted that this museum will «enrich the cultural and tourism offerings of Morocco and the city of Fès, renowned for its exceptional historical heritage.» «This museum embodies an Islam of tolerance and coexistence,» he added. The inaugural exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore historical documents detailing the succession of Moroccan dynasties since the 8th century, retracing the key events and defining moments of the nation’s history. Throughout their tour, guests traveled through time, discovering Morocco’s architectural marvels (including zellige tilework, wooden carvings, chandeliers, and a hydraulic clock) as well as traditional garments and artifacts that reflect Moroccan cultural and social life (caftans, cosmetic tools, weaponry, and more). «Among the exhibits are documents showcasing the history of Moroccan script and the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, along with iconic pieces such as the Adouate Al Andalous minbar, one of the rarest in the Islamic world,» explained Abdelaziz Idrissi, Head of the Museums Department at the National Foundation of Museums (FNM).
Youness SAAD ALAMI
