Celebrating Spiritual and Cultural Diversity at the Fes Festival
The 29th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music was inaugurated on Thursday evening in the historic city of Fes, Morocco, showcasing a rich tapestry of global music and culture. This year's festival, which runs until June 7, features an impressive lineup of artists and musical ensembles from various countries, including a notable participation from Turkey.
The opening ceremony was highlighted by a mesmerizing performance from the Turkish Sufi ensemble of the Mevlevi whirling dervishes, attended by Turkey's ambassador to Morocco, Mustafa Ilker Kilic. This captivating display offered attendees a spiritual experience rooted in the Mevlevi tradition, characterized by the iconic whirling dance that symbolizes the elevation of the soul.
In addition to the performances, the festival pays tribute to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Fes through a unique creation that combines music, visual arts, movement, and spiritual symbols. Approximately 160 artists from a diverse array of musical formations representing countries such as Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, Iraq, India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Egypt, China, Ghana, Brazil, Germany, and France are participating in this year’s event.
Among the prominent acts are the British-Iranian artist Sami Yusuf, the Pakistani singer Sanam Marvi, and the Irish performer Niamh Bury. The celebrations will continue across various historic sites in Fes, culminating in a closing concert featuring the Turkish whirling dervishes alongside Sami Yusuf.
Established in 1994, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is recognized as one of Morocco's key international cultural events, serving as a platform for dialogue among cultures, religions, and artistic traditions worldwide.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
