A permanent space dedicated to Amazigh culture was inaugurated on Saturday within the iconic Alhambra in Granada, spearheaded by the Doctor Leïla Mezian Foundation, as part of an initiative aimed at promoting a dialogue of memories and the transmission of heritage across the two shores of the Mediterranean.
The inauguration of this unprecedented space in Europe took place in the presence of André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King, Morocco’s Ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, and the President of the Doctor Leïla Mezian Foundation, Othman Benjelloun.
This unique initiative is the culmination of a visionary project led by the late Leïla Mezian Benjelloun and the realization of an exceptional cultural partnership between Morocco and Spain.
Covering an area of 250 square meters at the Carmen de los Porcel, the Amazigh Space exhibits an exceptional collection of Berber artifacts gathered over more than fifty years by the late Leïla Mezian Benjelloun. This is enriched by a contribution from the former Spanish Ambassador to Morocco, Jorge Dezcallar, as well as pieces from the Alhambra's own collections.
Benefiting from the active support of the regional government of Andalusia, the Amazigh space displays ritual jewelry, ancient carpets, ceremonial weapons, as well as ceramics and basketry.
It is a cultural space "unique in Europe," dedicated to promoting the roots, history, and culture of Andalusia and the Amazigh people, stated Patricia del Pozo Fernández, Minister of Culture of the Andalusian government and President of the Board of Trustees of the Alhambra.
This venue, which pays tribute to the historical tributaries of Andalusia, of which Amazigh culture is an integral part, constitutes "a memorable event for the culture and heritage of the region," she added.
For her part, the Mayor of Granada, María Francisca Carazo, welcomed the realization of this ambitious project, highlighting its impact on the city's tourist and cultural appeal. She believes this space will help preserve and transmit a shared historical memory and consolidate the role of culture within society.
Benyaich affirmed that this inauguration holds a highly symbolic and historical significance, given that this exceptional venue bears witness to the shared heritage between Morocco and Spain, the fruit of centuries of exchange, coexistence, and dialogue between cultures.
This space embodies the values of openness, cultural diversity, and mutual understanding that have shaped an important part of the shared history of the two countries, she added in a press statement, highlighting the remarkable contribution of the Leila Mezian Foundation toward education and heritage preservation.
She also praised the efforts made to protect and promote Amazigh heritage, both in Morocco and internationally, stressing that the opening of this space now allows audiences worldwide to discover and better appreciate the richness of this cultural legacy.
For the Vice-President of the Doctor Leïla Mezian Foundation, Dounia Benjelloun, this space represents the realization of a vision, the fulfillment of the late Leïla Mezian's dream to see the richness of Amazigh heritage showcased at the very heart of a place symbolic of dialogue between civilizations: the Alhambra.
The Director General of the Board of the Alhambra and Generalife, Rodrigo Ruiz-Jiménez, stated that the opening of this new space is part of a strategy aimed at diversifying the tourism offerings and strengthening the site's attractiveness. This structure is among many initiatives carried out to further enhance the heritage and offer new experiences to the public, he said.
The Amazigh Space opens its doors to the public starting this June. It aims to be a living hub for transmission, cultural programming, and international cooperation.
MAP: 13 June 2026
