The recent Moroccan Days event in Syke was marred by visa issues that prevented many delegates from attending. Out of six invited women from the partner city of Ajdir, only three were able to make the journey to Syke. Nonetheless, the experience proved to be a memorable one for both guests and hosts, culminating in a vibrant Moroccan reading event held at the city library, which was adorned with colorful decorations.
On Wednesday evening, following the official launch of the Moroccan Days on Monday, around 50 attendees gathered for a Moroccan-themed literary event organized by the Syke city library's support association. This gathering served to deepen the city friendship established in 2001 with Ajdir, Morocco. However, it also highlighted a pressing bureaucratic issue, as the current delegation's focus on the lives of women in Morocco took on unintentional political significance due to recent travel regulations. Unfortunately, three of the six Moroccan women invited to participate in this exchange were unable to obtain visas for entry into Germany, resulting in a reduced delegation that limited direct dialogue opportunities.
For the first time, the support association hosted a Moroccan literature event that included a book discussion. This initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Suse Laue and board member Kerstin Nowak. Ulrich Hoferichter, chairman of the support association, emphasized the unique nature of this inaugural reading event in the library’s setting during his welcoming remarks. The honorary guest, Dr. Alexander Rosenboom, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco, welcomed the visiting guests and local citizens alike. He expressed his hope that the new mayor of Syke would continue to support this city partnership with the same enthusiasm as her predecessor.
Amidst the event, organizer Abdelhafid Catruat received commendations for his efforts, revealing his secret to success: a desire to try something new. The women from the support association showcased their appreciation by donning traditional, colorful Moroccan garments. A striking Moroccan drinking fountain was a focal point of the foyer decoration, alongside displays of handcrafted traditional attire.
The evening’s highlight was the literary reading, where outgoing Mayor Suse Laue and Kerstin Nowak presented excerpts from Leila Slimani's novel “Carry the Fire Forward.” The book explores the complexities of life between different cultures, contrasting Western freedoms with Morocco's stringent traditions. “What if one remains a stranger everywhere? Literature provides us with an excellent bridge to understand the perspectives and life realities of one another,” Nowak articulated to the audience.
In addition to the literary contributions, the evening offered insights into Moroccan culture. As the aroma of fresh mint tea wafted through the air, guests indulged in an extensive buffet featuring traditional dishes prepared and beautifully arranged by members of the Moroccan Mosaic Association of Bremen. Interpreter Laila Daali and Abdelhafid Catruat facilitated ongoing dialogue with representatives from Ajdir, who shared their daily life experiences. The serene sounds of traditional Moroccan music complemented the atmosphere, while a photo exhibition by Dennis Gloth showcased diverse moments and personal impressions from his travels in Morocco.
As reported by kreiszeitung.de.
