Sahrij Swani | Meknes

Sahrij Swani, also known as the Heri es-Souani, is an important historical and architectural feature located in Meknes, Morocco. It is one of the most significant remnants from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672–1727) and is a testament to the grandeur and advanced engineering of the Moroccan Imperial city of Meknes during his rule.

Historical Background

Construction Period:
Sahrij Swani was constructed during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail as part of his ambitious project to transform Meknes into an imperial capital. The construction of the Sahrij Swani dates back to the late 17th century, around the year 1690. It was part of Moulay Ismail's broader plan to enhance the city's infrastructure, particularly to create a self-sustaining system of water management that could serve the growing population and royal needs.

Purpose:
The Sahrij Swani was primarily built as a water reservoir and irrigation system to store and distribute water for the royal gardens, royal stables, and other important areas within the imperial city. The reservoir was also intended to help supply water to the royal palace and the city’s many fountains, keeping the area lush and vibrant, as well as supporting the agricultural needs of the empire.

Heri es-Souani:
The Heri es-Souani (meaning "Royal Granaries") is a term sometimes used to refer to the storage facilities near the Sahrij Swani. These granaries were designed to store grain and other provisions, ensuring that the city could withstand potential famines or supply shortages. The complex was also a part of the royal infrastructure under Moulay Ismail's rule.

Architectural Features

The Sahrij Swani is a remarkable example of Moroccan hydraulic engineering from the early modern period. Some of its key features include:

Large Rectangular Basin:
The Sahrij Swani is a large artificial basin or reservoir that covers an area of approximately 5 hectares (50,000 square meters). It was constructed to collect water for various purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and maintaining the palace's fountains.

Water Supply System:
The basin was part of an elaborate system designed to collect water from the Oued Boufekrane river. The water would flow into the reservoir through canals and then be used for the irrigation of the royal gardens and the royal stables. The system included features to ensure that water could be distributed evenly and efficiently throughout the area.

Surrounding Gardens and Landscaping:
The area around the Sahrij Swani is designed with gardens, and it was once lush with vegetation and trees. The royal gardens were intended to create a relaxing environment for the Sultan and his court, and the water from the Sahrij Swani helped maintain this oasis-like atmosphere.

Granaries:
The granaries adjacent to the Sahrij Swani were large buildings designed for storing grain and other foodstuffs. These were essential for maintaining the royal court's supply and were an important part of the Sultan's efforts to keep the city prosperous. The buildings are designed with high ceilings, arches, and ventilation systems to keep the grain dry and protected.

Storage Chambers:
The granaries are composed of a series of high-ceilinged chambers designed to store large quantities of grain and food supplies. These chambers were built with great attention to ventilation to keep the supplies fresh. The architectural style blends Islamic and Moorish influences, with beautiful stucco work and arches.

Scale and Size:
The sheer scale of the Sahrij Swani and its surrounding infrastructure is impressive. The reservoir was designed to hold a vast quantity of water, and the size of the granaries and the surrounding structures speaks to the level of resources the Sultan was able to command. The entire system demonstrates advanced engineering for the time, particularly in terms of its use of water management.

Role in the City of Meknes

Agricultural and Water Management:
Sahrij Swani played a critical role in agriculture and water management in Meknes. The reservoir helped ensure that the royal gardens and agricultural areas around the city had a steady supply of water, which was essential in a region that could experience periods of drought.

Royal Stables:
The water from Sahrij Swani was also used to supply the royal stables, where the Sultan’s horses were kept. The stables were vast, and a steady supply of water was essential for maintaining the health of the horses, which were a key part of the Sultan's military and ceremonial activities.

Symbol of Wealth and Power:
The creation of the Sahrij Swani was a demonstration of the Sultan’s wealth and the technical prowess of his time. It was an essential part of the broader transformation of Meknes into a flourishing imperial city, showcasing the Sultan’s desire to create an environment of luxury, self-sufficiency, and power.

Current Day and Visitor Experience

Today, Sahrij Swani is an important historical site and is visited by tourists interested in Meknes' history, architecture, and engineering. While much of the original infrastructure has been altered over the years, the water basin and surrounding areas are still impressive. Visitors can walk around the granaries and observe the remains of the irrigation system and water management features.

Tourism and Historical Significance:
The Sahrij Swani is one of the lesser-known yet significant attractions in Meknes, often visited alongside other important sites like the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Royal Stables, and Bab Mansour Gate. It offers visitors a chance to explore the engineering genius of the Moroccan imperial period and see the remnants of a once-thriving agricultural and water system.

Photography and Exploration:
The site is a peaceful location for photography and exploring. The basin area, though no longer filled with water, is still impressive in its scale and offers a serene atmosphere for visitors. The historical ruins of the granaries and the surrounding grounds provide a sense of the grandeur of the Sultan’s vision for Meknes.

Preservation and Conservation:
Efforts to preserve Sahrij Swani are ongoing, as the site’s historical and cultural value remains recognized by both local authorities and international organizations. As a site associated with the Merinid dynasty, it forms an integral part of Morocco’s heritage.

Conclusion

The Sahrij Swani (or Heri es-Souani) in Meknes is a significant historical site that showcases the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the 17th-century Moroccan Empire. Originally built as a water reservoir for irrigation and as a storage facility for the royal court, it reflects the scale and grandeur of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s ambitions. Today, it stands as an important reminder of the imperial past and the engineering feats of the era, offering visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s rich historical and cultural legacy.