Abdelghani Khaldoun unveils an exceptional work entitled ‘Bejaâd: Urban and architectural heritage of the medina’. The book, the fruit of years of research and dedicated passion, shedding light on the historical, town-planning and architectural heritage of one of Morocco’s oldest and least-known medinas.
The medina of Bejaâd, often relegated to second place in the history of major Moroccan cities, is restored to its former glory in this book. Founded in the 16th century by Bouabid Charki, an eminent Sufi, Bejaâd was a spiritual, cultural and economic center for several centuries. This book reveals the important role played by this city in the development of Morocco, both spiritually and architecturally.
A journey to the heart of Morocco’s heritage
In his richly illustrated pages, Abdelghani Khaldoun takes us on a journey through time, exploring the cobbled streets of the medina, the majestic arcades, the gateways to the historic quarters and the emblematic monuments that have shaped the city’s identity. Bejaâd’s medina is characterized by its unique urban layout, with its derbs (quarters), winding streets and lively squares. It’s a city where every stone tells a story, every monument bears witness to a glorious past and an unrivalled cultural wealth.
The book is divided into several chapters, each dedicated to a particular aspect of Bejaâd’s heritage: from the historic mosques to the zaouias (Sufi centers), from the traditional public ovens to the hammams that form the very essence of social and community life in the medina. By highlighting these elements, Abdelghani Khaldoun seeks to emphasize the need to preserve this precious heritage from the dangers of oblivion and degradation.
An exceptional artistic collaboration
In addition to the author’s in-depth urban and architectural research, this book benefits from the photographs of Jamal Elmorsli Cherkaoui, which capture the beauty and soul of Bejaâd from an unprecedented artistic angle. These photographs are accompanied by sketches by Corinne Le Meur and meticulous computer graphics by Maïssane Wahabi, enabling the reader to visualize not only the architectural details of the medina, but also the construction and spatial evolution of the city over the centuries.
A plea for the preservation of heritage
One of the strong messages in this book is the call for the preservation of Bejaâd’s architectural and urban heritage, now threatened by neglect and the ravages of time. Abdelghani Khaldoun reminds us of the importance of taking steps to conserve these architectural treasures. The medina, a national heritage site, also aspires to world renown, notably through its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
« Bejaâd honored at the 30th International Book and Publishing Fair»
To mark the 30th edition of the prestigious Salon International de l’Édition et du Livre, to be held from 17 to 27 April 2025 in the privileged setting of the OLM Souissiarea in Rabat, the publishing house Couleurs Com will be proudly unveiling its new publication entitled ‘Bejaâd, urban and architectural heritage of the medina’.
This remarkable work, by Abdelghani Khaldoun, will be presented at a special cultural panel as part of the official programme of this not-to-be-missed event. This unique event will be attended by the photographic artist Jamal El Morsli Cherkaoui, who has brought the pages of the book to life with his authentic shots, and by Dr Mohamed Ait Laamim, a skilled translator who has faithfully rendered the content in Arabic.
A book-signing session is scheduled for Wednesday 23 April 2025 at 2pm, offering hence to lovers of Moroccan architecture and fervent defenders of our cultural heritage a precious opportunity to tdiscuss with the artists about the book that magnifies the glorious past and the deep-rooted identity of Bejaâd.
Public price of the book: 480 MAD, available since April, 10that the CHATR bookshop in Marrakech and online onwww.livremoi.ma
About the author
Abdelghani Khaldoun is a civil engineer who graduated from Mohammadiaschool in Rabat, holds a degree in development management from Washington D.C.
A former regional director of infrastructure and actual honorary consul for Denmark, he is passionate about architecture and urban planning, particularly that of his home town, Bejaâd.
Jamal Elmorsli Cherkaoui, the artist photographer who collaborated on this book, is President of the Afro-Maghrebian Association of Photographic Art and a member of the Moroccan Federation of Photographic Art.
