Ancient Rock Art Site in Morocco Destroyed for Watermelon Farm

The farmer has devastated the "Ouakhir" archaeological site of inestimable historical and heritage value to set up an agricultural farm for watermelon cultivation, reports the daily Assabah. The site, discovered by the French researcher André Simoneau and listed in the catalog of rock art sites under number 150039, is located in the rural commune of Ktaoua, in Zagora, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.

Before its destruction, the site contained rock inscriptions made in the "tazina" style, explains an archaeologist cited by the newspaper, specifying that the site now only has three inscriptions out of more than 200. This kind of act of vandalism constitutes a threat to the archaeological heritage of the Drâa-Tafilalet region, the most affected nationally, according to the researcher who has called on the authorities and all the living forces of the kingdom for its protection.

A ministerial inspection commission visited the site and noted the damage. At the end of the visit, the Ministry of Culture should take the necessary measures to protect the archaeological sites in the region. Similarly, the National Observatory of Cultural Heritage has called on the Ministry of Agriculture and other ministerial departments to ensure the protection of these sites during the impact assessment phase of projects.