Literally, the “Gate of Machinery”, Bab Al Makina was the entrance to the arsenal built by Moulay Ismaïl between 1888 and 1890. He commissioned Italian architects and engineers to do this.
The arsenal was never very productive, like many factories built by Europeans. One might also think that the Italians were happy to charge for a factory, without wishing to find themselves perhaps one day in front of the weapons they would have helped to manufacture?
In 1909, a municipal printing works of excellent quality was added. In 1916, the protectorate set up a vocational school in the premises vacated by the former arsenal. Well situated on the Oued Fès, which provided the motive power for the machines, the Makina became a sort of factory for everything, including carpets, a garage, carpentry…
A dam on the wadi lowered its water level, electricity became more efficient and the Makina gradually lost its appeal. The building escaped destruction by fire, but gradually fell into ruin.
The whole complex was finally saved thanks to the Fez restoration programme, which will run from 2018 to 2023.
Today, the large area near the mechouar that is Bab al Makina regularly hosts events, in particular the Festival of Sacred Music.
Street Address
Fez
Morocco
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