Merinid Stories: Drone Shows Illuminate Rabat’s Chellah Ruins

Rabat - The ancient ruins of Chellah in Rabat were brought to life on Thursday evening with a spectacular series of drone shows themed "Merinid Stories", attended by an array of political, diplomatic, cultural, and media figures. The artistic displays, running through Sunday, are part of the "Nostalgia" program, launched by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication to creatively showcase Morocco's rich cultural heritage. Accompanied by the captivating voice of Moroccan singer Nabila Maan, the drones presented a dazzling visual narrative, offering an immersive journey into the Merinid dynasty. The shows transported spectators back in time, highlighting the grandeur and mysteries of the historic Merinid era, with Chellah as a stunning backdrop under a star-lit sky. The drones, in a carefully choreographed light show, told the story of the Chellah site and the cultural legacy of the Merinid period, blending history with modern technology to create a unique and memorable experience. Speaking at the event, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, underlined the widespread enthusiasm for the "Nostalgia" program since its inception in 2022, noting that the program offers a new and engaging way for people to connect with Morocco's cultural heritage, with the drone performances delivering "captivating stories" about the Kingdom's history. These nightly performances, scheduled for 9 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m., provide both locals and tourists the chance to experience the history of the Merinid dynasty and other significant periods in Moroccan history through an innovative lens. The first edition of "Nostalgia, the Emotions of Yesteryear", held at Chellah, attracted around 20,000 visitors before traveling to other iconic archaeological sites, including the Bahia and Badii Palaces in Marrakech, Outa El Hamam Square and the historic Kasbah in Chefchaouen, and the Cave of Hercules in Tangier. Chellah, one of Rabat's most significant historical sites, dates back to the 6th or 7th century BC. Its ancient architecture and enduring magic transport visitors across multiple eras of Morocco's storied past. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse