Marrakech Hosts a Vibrant Celebration of Moroccan Poetry
The vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco, recently concluded the eighth edition of the Moroccan Poetry Festival, an event that was held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside the gracious support of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. This festival was orchestrated by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, and took place over three days, attracting a significant participation from poets, critics, and artists from Morocco and several Arab countries.
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; Dr. Belayed Boukadir, President of Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech; Rashid Al Mustafa, Head of Cooperation at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports; and Abdelhak Meifrani, Director of the House of Poetry in Marrakech. They were joined by a select group of academics, students, and poetry enthusiasts, all united in their love for the art form.
Three Days of Poetic Expression and Cultural Exchange
For three days, the city of Marrakech resonated with the rhythm of poetry, drawing creative voices from various Moroccan cities into a cultural scene that celebrated the poetic word and its creators. This year’s edition showcased over 50 poets, critics, and artists, featuring a program that beautifully intertwined poetry with the arts, thus attracting a wide audience and reflecting a profound cultural interest in the Moroccan cultural landscape.
During the festival’s conclusion, Dr. Belayed Boukadir expressed his heartfelt welcome on behalf of Cadi Ayyad University, one of Morocco's largest universities, and conveyed immense joy in hosting this significant event. He stated, "Cadi Ayyad University firmly believes that creativity is indivisible. The spirit that drives a student towards scientific research and innovation is the same that inspires them to write poetry, engage in painting, theater, or music. Thus, we strive to support creativity among our students in all its scientific, artistic, and literary dimensions."
Dr. Boukadir further elaborated on the university's commitment to fostering cultural and artistic student clubs, organizing literary gatherings, artistic performances, and exhibitions, while also providing spaces for creators and intellectuals to collaborate. He emphasized the pivotal role of the digital university library in this initiative, serving as a platform where written works meet digital content, facilitating dialogues between researchers and creators, and offering students enriching resources for their minds and imaginations.
He remarked, "This initiative falls under a clear desire to bolster cooperation between our university and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, alongside the House of Poetry in Marrakech, which has become a prominent cultural landmark in the city and in Morocco. We look forward to evolving this partnership towards sustainable and joint programs, such as poetry writing workshops for students, meetings with poets and critics, and support for young talents, thus transforming the university into a true incubator for new poetic voices."
A number of participating poets and creatives highlighted the significant cultural role played by Sharjah in supporting the Arab creative movement, asserting that it serves as a grand home for intellectuals and creators alike. They praised the efforts of the House of Poetry in Marrakech for nurturing young and emerging poets, discovering new talents, and providing them with opportunities to express themselves within the Moroccan cultural scene.
In this context, poet Ibrahim Al-Bayhi expressed his happiness in participating in the festival, noting that he traveled from southern Morocco at the invitation which greatly delighted him. He stated that the House of Poetry in Marrakech has solidified its cultural presence in Morocco, particularly through its initiatives that extend to remote areas that previously lacked regular cultural activities. This outreach has contributed to reviving the cultural movement and discovering new poetic talents.
Similarly, poet Thouraya Al-Kour expressed her joy in participating and praised the House of Poetry in Marrakech for embracing poets from various generations and introducing their creative experiences while gathering creators from across the country. She mentioned her journey from the city of Essaouira to participate in this event, expressing gratitude to Sharjah for its efforts in supporting and promoting poetry, ensuring its vibrant presence within the cultural landscape.
The festival also highlighted the contributions of various artists, with poet Idriss Al-Miliani, one of the honorees of this year’s edition, emphasizing the House of Poetry's important role in energizing the Moroccan cultural scene. He noted that it provides platforms for young and emerging voices, allowing them to discover their experiences and enhance their creative tools. He asserted that the house's programs and activities have expanded the presence of poetry in various regions of Morocco, thus fortifying the status of poetry within the Moroccan cultural context.
Furthermore, poet Abdul Rahim Asban expressed his happiness with his participation, acknowledging that the House of Poetry in Marrakech, over the past decade, has initiated efforts that have significantly bolstered the presence of poetry in Morocco. The institution has extended a helping hand to young poets in need of support and guidance, providing them with opportunities to articulate their experiences and refine their creative voices. He concluded by thanking Sharjah for its ongoing cultural efforts and support for poets and creators.
As reported by middle-east-online.com.
