Implications of "Neo-Orientalist" conservation in Fez, Morocco : need for an innovative non-profit alternative

Abstract

The exotic and mystical image of Morocco has been imbedded in the minds of outsiders even before the French protectorate was established in the early 20th century. Many countries whose modern history has its origins in an outside hegemonic power tend to be ambivalent towards the impact of the colonizer's continued presence in the contemporary culture. Morocco, for example, has grown to embrace the foreign interest in its exotic world and now even encourages the oriental depictions of its country in order to increase foreign private investment, ultimately to preserve the historic heritage of the city. The result of this preservation strategy is a paradoxical urban fabric of enhancement and atrophy made apparent in the architectural disparity between modern developments by foreign investors and the often dilapidated locally owned riads. This mixture of urban divergences also adds a special character to the city, which would make anyone question the need to intervene, but I will argue that the identity and sustainability of the heritage city is ultimately in question. Through research and interviews with foreign investors, developers and local property owners in Fez, this thesis will identify the unfolding implications and opportunities of the current riad restoration movements in the city. It will evaluate non-profit alternatives for architectural conservation. The outcome of this research will establish the basis for ARCHeritage, a non-profit organization aimed to direct the future development of the city using historically appropriate design standards as well as micro-financing incentives for the renovation of locally owned property in order to help local businesses keep up with the modern forces of development in Fez.