Controversy Erupts as Malaga Metro Construction Threatens 11th Century Islamic Ruins

While conservationists are trying to preserve the vestiges of Andalusian culture, the modernists are more inclined towards the construction of this metro. Although the ancient ruins discovered are intact and well preserved (the 11th century ruins of an Islamic quarter known as Al-Tabbanin), the metro company does not intend to listen to the calls of the associations. It is determined to continue its destructive mission.

To justify itself, it claims that the site has been fully explored, with 3D technology, for future exploitation by researchers. Moreover, it indicates that a portion of the undestructed remains are moved to a museum paid for by its own means. This portion, according to the conservationists, is only a tiny part of the remains found. "It’s unfortunate what they’ve done," laments a local resident.

As for the Andalusian Ministry of Culture, it believes that this destructive operation by the company is an abomination, since the Moorish quarter is designated as a heritage of cultural interest. And yet the company continues to turn a deaf ear.