Idris Ouaghich's New Literary Work Explores Moroccan Desert Landscapes
Moroccan author Idris Ouaghich has recently published a new book titled “Thus I Came to Know the Desert: Fascinating Journeys Between Fez and Guerguerat,” released by Bilal Press in Fez. This literary piece represents a continuation of Ouaghich's exploration of the Moroccan desert through narrative and reflective writing, adding to his impressive body of work which includes ten publications across genres such as fiction, poetry, and criticism.
The book spans 402 pages and offers a literary journey grounded in the author's observations and impressions during his travels between the city of Fez and the Guerguerat crossing. The cover of the book features one of Ouaghich's own paintings, which artistically captures a moment of contemplation amid the desert expanse, symbolically referencing the space that is central to this publication.
Ouaghich dedicates this work to the soldiers stationed at the borders, who defend the territorial integrity of the kingdom, as well as to everyone who has contributed, whether through action or word, to the protection of the homeland. He emphasizes that this literary endeavor is a tribute to their sacrifices in the Moroccan desert region.
In his introduction to the book, critic Mohamed Youb notes that this release transcends the boundaries of mere documentary writing or fictional narrative, presenting instead a literary text that merges travel with reflection. It transforms the desert into a canvas for existential questions and a revival of history and identity, where the details of the journey, soldiers, truck movements, and winds become narrative elements reflecting the depth of the human experience in this landscape.
Furthermore, the author asserts in the book's preface that his work belongs to the travel literature genre, drawing on personal observations and reflections on both the place and its people. He highlights his engagement with the desert as a cultural and civilizational space rich in human and anthropological values, ensuring that the text maintains an artistic dimension that balances description, impression, and contemplation.
As reported by hespress.com.
