Gallery
Description
Property Name: Dar El-Makzhen
Inventory No: 212-9-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-20
Country (State party): Morocco
Province: Tangier
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 35° 47′ 18.58″ N
5° 48′ 45.39″ W
Historic Period: 17th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction:
Style:
Original Use: Palace
Current Use: Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Dar El-Makzhen is the sultanate palace of Morocco in Tangier. When the Moroccon sultans came to Tangier, they stayed in this building. The palatial complex is constructed around two courtyards, situated in Kasbah, which is the highest point of the Medina of Tangier. The complex was ordered to be built by Moulay Ismail in 17th century. It is now used by the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities.
Selection Criteria
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The palace complex has been restored and now it functions as a museum.
Sultan Moulay Ismail constructed the Dar el Makhzen in the seventeenth century and it served as his palace.
References
Official Web Site of Ministry of Culture of Morocco: http://www.minculture.gov.ma/fr/mdTanger.htm
Michell, George (ed), Architecture of the Islamic World, Thames & Hudson, London, 1996.