The Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) recently hosted an international colloquium titled "Tarragona and Morocco (19th-21st Century): Historical Genealogy and Contemporary Challenges of a Shared Mediterranean Space" on April 9 and 10. This event marked the inaugural activity of the newly established Chair of Moroccan Studies, which has been initiated under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco. The colloquium took place at the Sala de Graus on the Catalunya campus, bringing together professors, researchers, and specialists from various universities to engage in a multidisciplinary forum focused on analyzing the historical, cultural, social, and economic relationships between Tarragona and Morocco from the 19th century to the present day. The gathering was graced by the presence of local government representatives, community officials, as well as students and researchers keen on the subject matter.
During the opening session, the symbolic significance of the new chair was emphasized, serving as a space for dialogue, collaboration, and shared construction. This initiative aims to deepen a relationship that has roots stretching back centuries, tracing back to when Mediterranean trade routes already connected both shores. Throughout the event, participants highlighted the current intense and strategic links between Tarragona and Morocco, which are underpinned by increasing institutional cooperation, economic exchange, and a solidified social dimension. Recent initiatives were underscored, such as high-level visits and advancements in the twinning between Tarragona and Tangier, which pave the way for new collaborative opportunities.
The role of the Port of Tarragona was also a focal point of the discussions, regarded as a key infrastructure in the Mediterranean for trade exchanges with Morocco. This is particularly significant as Morocco has emerged as one of the primary trading partners of Catalonia outside the European Union. Furthermore, the colloquium shed light on the importance of civil society, with cultural associations, social entities, and shared projects contributing to mutual understanding. The Moroccan community in the province of Tarragona, recognized as the largest foreign population, plays a vital role in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and logistics.
The program included cultural activities open to the public, featuring a traditional music performance with the oud by artist Adil El Amrani and a Moroccan folk dance showcase by the Nostalgia Association from Lleida, highlighting the role of culture as a bridge between communities. Additionally, the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution participated with activities aimed at children, further expanding the social and scientific reach of the event.
This gathering has served to reinforce a historical relationship between Tarragona and Morocco, which, based on centuries of exchanges, now projects itself dynamically across multiple fields, consolidating a shared Mediterranean space grounded in cooperation and proximity between societies.
As reported by diaridetarragona.com.
