Morocco to be first African guest of honor at Denkmal Trade Fair in Germany

Morocco will be the first African country to be invited as the guest of honor at the Denkmal trade fair, taking place from November 7 to 9, 2024, in Leipzig, Germany. This European trade fair, focused on monument conservation, restoration, and the rehabilitation of old buildings, will emphasize the theme of climate change and sustainability for this edition, according to German media.

Zouhair Bennani, Deputy Secretary General of ICOMOS Morocco, stated, «The idea was born to present at Denkmal 2024 the richness of Morocco's historical heritage and ancestral earth building techniques».

Bennani emphasized that this exchange is particularly relevant now, as Morocco experienced the 6.9-magnitude Al Haouz earthquake last year, which caused considerable damage, including to infrastructure.

Mariella Riedel, Denkmal's project manager, added, «As Europe's leading trade fair, Denkmal is the central meeting point for the sector and an international B2B platform that provides valuable impetus for the preservation of cultural heritage. We also look beyond our borders and are delighted that Morocco is the first African country to be represented at Denkmal. With its long tradition, unique culture, and special construction techniques, Morocco offers a very special perspective to our visitors».