Granada: Following the inauguration of the Amazigh Space at the heart of its gardens, the Alhambra takes on a new dimension and finds a new purpose, said Andr© Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King and Co-President of the Three Cultures Foundation, which is headquartered in the Hassan II Pavilion in Seville, in Granada.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Azoulay emphasized the foundational role that the Amazigh dynasties played in the historical legacy of Al-Andalus. This role, previously known primarily to researchers and scholars, is now brought to the attention of millions of visitors to the Alhambra each year, thanks to the Amazigh Space. This initiative was made possible by the Dr. Lela Mezian Foundation and was inaugurated on Saturday within the Alhambra.

Azoulay paid tribute to the late Dr. Lela Mezian Benjelloun, who envisioned and planned the project before her passing. He acknowledged the active involvement of the Andalusian Ministry of Culture and the Alhambra’s management, alongside the support of the Jorge Dezcallar and Teresa E§a Foundation. These groups collaborated in a new-generation partnership to ensure the project’s success.

The creation of the Amazigh Space in an 11th-century cloister positions the Alhambra as the first European institution to present a comprehensive and inclusive historical narrative. This narrative embodies a universal Andalusian heritage and highlights the contributions of the Almohad and Almoravid dynasties as well as the Nasrid Kingdom. Visitors to the Alhambra can now gain a deeper appreciation of these contributions.

Azoulay expressed hope that this initiative will inspire other regions to adopt a similar approach to historical, cultural, and social narratives. He advocated for an objective narrative that reflects the complexities of history without being influenced by contemporary conjectures or contingencies.

Highlighting the successful collaboration between the private and public sectors in realizing the Amazigh Space, Azoulay concluded by emphasizing Morocco’s momentum in cultural initiatives. He credited this to the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has prioritized the richness of Moroccan history and heritage as central to social modernity.