Dounia Benjelloun Mezian: Berber Space at Alhambra in Granada

Published on July 8, 2026

Conceived by Dr. Leila Mezian Benjelloun and dedicated to her memory, the Berber Space was inaugurated at Carmen de Los Porcel, in the heart of Alhambra, Granada on June 13, 2026.  The space realizes her vision that culture is the strongest bridge between people. The Berber Space is Europe's first museum space devoted to Berber culture, honoring the Zirid dynasty, founders of Granada in 1013. Next January, a new Berber Space will open at the Dr. Leila Mezian Museum in Casablanca for the Berber New Year, extending her legacy through dialogue and transmission onward.

The permanent exhibit features hundreds of artefacts and audiovisual resources, many of the pieces on display come from the collection of the Doctor Leila Mezian Foundation.  Visitors can explore the origins of the Berber (Amazigh) peoples, their identity, language and the territories they inhabited throughout history.  The space will also serve as a centre for intercultural dialogue; developed in collaboration with the Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies in Granada, it offers unique international seminars, concerts, film series and other education programs. 

You can learn more about the Berber (Amazigh) people, historical site, exhibition and its offerings by viewing the attached document. 

 

Seen above: Mr. Othman Benjelloun, Miss Dounia Benjelloun, André Azoulay (Advisor to the King of Morocco)
Pictured above: Mr. Othman Benjelloun, Miss Dounia Benjelloun, André Azoulay (Advisor to the King of Morocco), Karima Benyaich (Ambassador of Morocco in Spain), the Spanish Ministry of Culture, and the acting manager of Alhambra.

 

The Alhambra Opens Europe's First Exhibition Space Dedicated to Amazigh Culture - Alhambra news - AlhambraDeGranada.org.pdf
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