The gardens of Marrakech: El Harti garden

Formerly an oasis known for its tens of thousands of palm trees, the flora of Marrakech has given way to progress. Located between Hivernage and Gueliz, one might think that the vegetation of El Harti Garden is an indestructible green haven dating from the Almoravides, but the reality is quite different, as it was only built in the early 1930s.

the birth of the garden

According to historians and maps, although today it is bordered by Avenue Hassan II, it once covered a much larger area below this thoroughfare. It is now a boundary between the two main districts of the new city. During the French protectorate era, when Gueliz and Hivernage were taking their first steps, the urban planning was under the direction of high-ranking European officials. Even then, this space was perceived as a place of exchange open to all. The garden was designed to welcome young and old, families and couples, in a serene setting where everyone could find their place.

In a setting reminiscent of Western parks with its lawns and large shady trees, a construction with unconventional architecture blends the Berber community with the rest of the garden. It involves the ancient Saharan watchtowers, now repurposed as dovecotes. Most of the facilities seen today were already in place at the garden's inception. The bandstand, water jets, pergolas, and benches haven't moved, only a few renovations have been made. The children's play areas featuring dinosaur figures were added later.

a new life

Having remained unchanged for many years, El Harti Garden fell into disrepair before experiencing a new lease on life after 2002. The city council of Marrakech, with assistance from the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF), took charge. 6 million dirhams were allocated to replant and refresh the green spaces. The architect Souad Belkziz was tasked with creating the new garden layout. Her work contributed significantly to the revival of the place, both aesthetically and practically.

Watering and lighting systems have been integrated, old worn-out buildings have given way to cemented paths and new constructions and new benches have replaced the old ones marked by the carvings of adolescent loves, all these changes have made this place more pleasant and livable in its time. Thanks to local nurserymen and foreign landscape architects, dispatched by the Paris city council, the introduction of a wide variety of floral and plant species has transformed the garden into a true botanical circuit. Palm trees, shrubs, roses, wildflowers, climbing plants, a new vegetation has taken over the place.

As for the attendance of the garden, it remains the same as always. Even if the trees have changed, some benches still see the same visitors reading their newspapers every day. The youth from fifty years ago have taken the place of retirees, and their grandchildren have taken theirs, reflecting a natural cycle at the heart of the city.