Heri es-Souani | Meknes

Heri es-Souani is one of the most remarkable and significant historical sites in Meknes, Morocco. It is a vast and impressive complex of storage warehouses and granaries built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. This architectural site reflects the Sultan’s vision of a well-organized and fortified city with strategic infrastructure to support both his royal court and military needs.

Historical Background

Moulay Ismail’s Reign:

Sultan Moulay Ismail (reigned from 1672 to 1727) was one of Morocco's most powerful and ambitious rulers. His reign marked a period of intense military campaigns, administrative centralization, and grand architectural projects in the city of Meknes, which he made the capital of Morocco.

Moulay Ismail’s government required significant logistical planning, especially when it came to storing and managing provisions for the royal army, the court, and the city’s population. One of his major infrastructure projects was the construction of Heri es-Souani.

Purpose of the Complex:

Heri es-Souani was built as a vast storage facility to store grain, fodder, and supplies for the royal army, as well as food for the residents of Meknes. Given the harsh climate and the need for self-sufficiency in times of war, this complex played a critical role in maintaining the city’s sustainability during times of siege or military campaigns.

The granaries were designed to keep grain cool and dry, while the stables were used to house the horses that were essential to the Sultan’s military forces. The facilities were built to ensure that the royal army would have a steady supply of food and resources in times of need.

Architectural Design

Granaries (Heri):

The complex features large, high-ceilinged storage buildings designed to keep the grain and fodder cool, even during the intense heat of summer. The granaries have thick walls made of stone and bricks, which helped to regulate the temperature and preserve the stored food for long periods of time.

The granaries are often described as being quite innovative for their time, with well-planned air circulation systems and storage areas that could hold vast quantities of grain.

Stables (Heri es-Souani):

The stables were designed to house the horses of the royal cavalry, which were essential to the military campaigns of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The stables are large, arched structures with open courtyards and long, narrow corridors to accommodate the horses and allow for efficient movement.

The stables are notable for their size and scale, reflecting the importance of the royal military force and the Sultan’s vision of a highly organized and disciplined army.

The arched ceilings of the stables are made of brick, and the structures are remarkably well-preserved, giving a sense of the engineering expertise of the time.

Water Supply System:

One of the most innovative features of the Heri es-Souani complex was its water supply system. A large water reservoir and channels were constructed to ensure that the granaries and stables had access to water. This was particularly important for keeping the horses hydrated and for cooling the grain storage areas.

The presence of a well-designed water management system underscores the Sultan’s focus on creating a self-sufficient, resilient city capable of thriving under various conditions, including during military sieges.

Architectural Influence and Design

Moorish and Islamic Architecture:

The design of Heri es-Souani reflects the Islamic and Moorish architectural traditions that were prevalent during the time of Moulay Ismail’s reign. The use of arched doorways, decorative brickwork, and geometric patterns is typical of Moroccan architecture.

The influence of traditional Islamic engineering can be seen in the way the complex was designed to maximize the efficient use of space and natural cooling, allowing the storage areas to remain dry and cool even in the intense heat of the region.

Defensive Features:

As part of a broader fortification strategy, the Heri es-Souani complex was designed with defense in mind. The high walls and strategic location of the complex made it difficult for invaders to access the stored grain or supplies, which could have been crucial during times of conflict.

While not as explicitly defensive as the city’s walls, the Heri es-Souani complex was an integral part of the city’s military infrastructure, ensuring that resources could be protected and maintained for extended periods.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Economic Impact:

The complex’s primary role was to support the economic and military needs of the city. By providing a steady supply of grain and other resources, Heri es-Souani played a vital role in maintaining the stability of the city during the reign of Moulay Ismail.

The facility also served as a symbol of the Sultan’s wealth and his ability to manage the resources of the kingdom. The ability to store such large quantities of provisions reflected both the prosperity of Meknes and the foresight of the Sultan.

Strategic Importance:

During the time of Moulay Ismail, Meknes was frequently at the center of military campaigns. The Heri es-Souani complex ensured that the Sultan could maintain a well-supplied army and sustain the people of Meknes, even when the city was under siege. This was particularly important as Moulay Ismail expanded Morocco’s borders and dealt with various military threats.

UNESCO World Heritage:

Meknes, including the Heri es-Souani complex, is part of Morocco’s UNESCO World Heritage list. The site is celebrated for its remarkable architectural heritage and its reflection of the city’s role as an imperial capital.

The Heri es-Souani complex is an important part of the history of Meknes and the Alawite dynasty, making it a key landmark for anyone interested in exploring the city’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Visiting Heri es-Souani

Tourist Attraction:

Heri es-Souani is a popular destination for tourists visiting Meknes. The site offers a chance to explore the historical storage facilities, stables, and grain storage areas that were once integral to the life of the city and the royal military.

Visitors can admire the size and scale of the complex, as well as the engineering marvels of the time. The site is well-preserved and offers an impressive glimpse into the past.

Adjacent Attractions:

The Royal Stables and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail are located nearby, making it easy to explore multiple historical sites in a single visit. The Bab Mansour Gate and Place el-Hedim are also within walking distance, further enriching the historical context of the area.

The entire area is part of the imperial city of Meknes, and touring the complex offers a comprehensive view of the Sultan’s royal vision and the city’s impressive history.

Cultural Insight:

A visit to Heri es-Souani offers a unique opportunity to understand how Sultan Moulay Ismail built Meknes not just as a royal capital but as a model of military and economic efficiency. The complex stands as a testament to the Sultan’s efforts to make Meknes a self-sufficient city capable of withstanding external pressures.

Conclusion

Heri es-Souani is an essential piece of Meknes' rich architectural and historical heritage. The complex, with its granaries, stables, and innovative engineering, highlights the military and economic strategies employed by Sultan Moulay Ismail to strengthen his capital. Its impressive size and preservation make it one of the most fascinating attractions in Meknes and a key site for anyone interested in the history of Morocco and the architecture of the Alawite dynasty.