Help Hassan restore historic kasbah in Morocco
Donation protected
https://youtu.be/yQrl0yHoZaQ
The Kasbah, my story...
My name is Ait Elcaid Hassan.
My Grandfathers left me a unique heritage with GREAT responsibilities, a significant 500 years old Kasbah in south-eastern Morocco, in the Draa Valley. It was an important administrative and residential Kasbah for leaders of the Tribe.
Built mainly with stones, straw and earth it was left in a vulnerable state. Apart from its strategic importance, the Kasbah is noted for its historic architectural influences - Roman, Moorish Arabic Andalusian and Berber.
Long Term Goal :
To restore and save the Kasbah 100%. Restoration of the Kasbah will continue in stages, and eventually the Kasbah will be transformed into an eco-museum and an education centre to preserve the Amazigh Berber culture.
Its heritage not only belongs to this region but also, to all mankind.
Progress So Far: In 2012 the Kasbah was opened to international visitors. This helped fund initial repairs. The first major restoration was to rebuild the substantial main gate which had totally collapsed early that year. Repairs continued on the roof and interior. And always, traditional local craftsmen were employed.
After 8 years we are pleased to have restored almost 20%.
Urgent Short Term Goal : To repair the western wall. The western wall of the Kasbah was once protected by adjoining buildings. Through years of neglect these have weathered away exposing and weakening the Kasbah wall.
Note: in photo below the loss of surface render exposing the earth bricks and adobe wall.
It is imperative that the wall is repaired and saved immediately as it is a major support to main structure of the Kasbah.
Inside the Kasbah are 2 significant rooms which house unique examples of early decorative techniques. These must not be lost.
No matter how long it takes I cannot let it crumble.
This is an earth building and is eco friendly but not weather proof.
To protect what has been achieved and to advance on this necessary work, funds are urgently needed to repair and protect the Kasbah.
Tourism has been suspended .... but the weathering continues.
Funding Needed: Donated funds will provide materials and employment to local craftsmen who will restore using traditional techniques in keeping with the building's origin.
Please consider donating today so you, your children and future generations can walk among the earth walls and pillars recounting its colourful history of the centuries before.
Every donation, no matter how small, will be used to preserve the Kasbah's future.
Can we count on your support?
Many thanks in advance.
In appreciation of your donation we would like to offer donors a gift voucher. This will be forwarded to you, please present it at the Kasbah to obtain your gift.
The Kasbah, my story...
My name is Ait Elcaid Hassan.
My Grandfathers left me a unique heritage with GREAT responsibilities, a significant 500 years old Kasbah in south-eastern Morocco, in the Draa Valley. It was an important administrative and residential Kasbah for leaders of the Tribe.
Built mainly with stones, straw and earth it was left in a vulnerable state. Apart from its strategic importance, the Kasbah is noted for its historic architectural influences - Roman, Moorish Arabic Andalusian and Berber.
Long Term Goal :
To restore and save the Kasbah 100%. Restoration of the Kasbah will continue in stages, and eventually the Kasbah will be transformed into an eco-museum and an education centre to preserve the Amazigh Berber culture.
Its heritage not only belongs to this region but also, to all mankind.
Progress So Far: In 2012 the Kasbah was opened to international visitors. This helped fund initial repairs. The first major restoration was to rebuild the substantial main gate which had totally collapsed early that year. Repairs continued on the roof and interior. And always, traditional local craftsmen were employed.
After 8 years we are pleased to have restored almost 20%.
Urgent Short Term Goal : To repair the western wall. The western wall of the Kasbah was once protected by adjoining buildings. Through years of neglect these have weathered away exposing and weakening the Kasbah wall.
Note: in photo below the loss of surface render exposing the earth bricks and adobe wall.
It is imperative that the wall is repaired and saved immediately as it is a major support to main structure of the Kasbah.
Inside the Kasbah are 2 significant rooms which house unique examples of early decorative techniques. These must not be lost.
No matter how long it takes I cannot let it crumble.
This is an earth building and is eco friendly but not weather proof.
To protect what has been achieved and to advance on this necessary work, funds are urgently needed to repair and protect the Kasbah.
Tourism has been suspended .... but the weathering continues.
Funding Needed: Donated funds will provide materials and employment to local craftsmen who will restore using traditional techniques in keeping with the building's origin.
Please consider donating today so you, your children and future generations can walk among the earth walls and pillars recounting its colourful history of the centuries before.
Every donation, no matter how small, will be used to preserve the Kasbah's future.
Can we count on your support?
Many thanks in advance.
In appreciation of your donation we would like to offer donors a gift voucher. This will be forwarded to you, please present it at the Kasbah to obtain your gift.
Organizer
Euan MacFarlane
Organizer
North Maleny QLD
