Ancient Saadian Portal Unearthed in Agadir, 60 Years After Devastating Earthquake

The centuries-old portal dating from the Saadian era (16th century), buried by this earthquake for more than 60 years, has now resurfaced. This is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the city of Agadir. Although this important brown wooden building has spent many years underground, the portal has withstood the test of time. It still stands, as does the fortress it gives access to.

The excavations also made it possible to unearth what remains of the Saadian mir of the kasbah, as well as the mihrab of the local mosque, part of the ablution facilities of the same place of worship and also a large millstone dating from the 16th century.

It should be recalled that three years ago, a major consultation and mobilization operation of the stakeholders had been put in place for the rehabilitation of the site classified in 1932 as a national historic monument. Several authorities including civil society, cultural associations in the city, survivors and descendants of the victims participated in workshops and meetings for this purpose.

It should be noted that the architectural restitution work and the rehabilitation of the historic site of Agadir Oufella are part of the implementation of the Urban Development Program of the city of Agadir 2020-2024, signed on February 4, 2020 under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI.