 The entrance to the Dar al-Makina (left), at theNew Mechouar. | |
 Interactive map of Dar al-Makina | |
| Location | Fes,Morocco |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°03′32.3″N4°59′31.4″W / 34.058972°N 4.992056°W /34.058972; -4.992056 |
| Builder | Hassan I |
| Type | Armoury |
| Completion date | 1886 |
| Owner |  Morocco |
TheDar al-Makina (Arabic:دار المكينة) is a former arms factory inFes,Morocco.
The Dar al-Makina (anArabic adaptation of the word "machine") was established by SultanMoulay Hassan in 1885–86 with the help of Italian officers.[1][2] The northern gate of theNew Mechouar, known asBab Khibbat es-Smen ("Gate of the Butter Niche"), also dates from the 1886 construction of Moulay Hassan.[1] The arms factory was an early attempt at industrialization in Fez and was part of the sultan's efforts to modernize the Moroccan army to compete with European powers, though they did not have enormous effect.[2]: 353–355 [3] The factory is no longer in use and stands abandoned and partially ruined. The structure is scheduled to be restored between 2018 and 2023 as part of a broader plan to restore over a hundred historic monuments in Fez.[4]
The building occupies the western side of the New Mechouar square near theDar al-Makhzen (Royal Palace) inFes el-Jdid. It is entered by a gateway,Bab al-Makina, in anItalianate architectural style opening on the west side of the square.[1] Inside, the Dar al-Makina consists of a vast series ofvaulted chambers, similar to the architecture of theHeri as-Swani, the royal granaries ofMoulay Ismail inMeknes.[2]
34°03′32.3″N4°59′31.4″W / 34.058972°N 4.992056°W /34.058972; -4.992056
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