Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Moroccan Poets Festival's seventh edition commenced on Friday in the vibrant city of Tetouan, Morocco, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, this three-day festival gathers over 50 poets, intellectuals, and artists from Morocco.

The opening ceremony took place at Teatro Español, drawing attendance from various cultural and governmental figures, including Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture, Zahour Amhaouch, representing the Moroccan Minister of Culture, and Abdelrazak El Mansouri, Governor of Tetouan Province.

The festival also welcomed a diverse crowd of writers, academics, university students, and poetry enthusiasts from all over Morocco.

The festivities kicked off with a documentary screening titled “Ten Unforgettable Years”, showcasing the cultural milestones of the House of Poetry in Tetouan since its inception.

Poet Mukhlis Al-Saghir applauded the House of Poetry initiative championed by the Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing its vital role in the Arab cultural landscape, while noting that this Tetouan festival has been a beacon for Moroccan poetry and creativity.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir remarked that the festival exemplifies the deep cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco. He highlighted the role of poetry houses in fostering literary talent, enhancing cultural dialogues, and sustaining Arabic poetry's significance within contemporary culture.

He noted that the House of Poetry in Tetouan represents a successful model with vibrant literary programs connecting poets, writers, and critics.

Al Qasir further stated that this edition of the festival underscores the enduring cultural project, celebrating the diversity and richness of Moroccan poetry across generations.

Representing the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Zahour Amhaouch called the festival one of Morocco’s key poetry events, marking a decade of cultural partnership between Moroccan organizations and the Sharjah Department of Culture.

The ceremony also saw the House of Poetry honor poet and academic Allal El Hajjam and academic Fatima Tahtah for their significant contributions to Moroccan and Arab culture.

The program included poetry readings by Moroccan poets, delving into themes of identity, human experiences, and pressing social issues.

Additionally, the House of Poetry announced the recipients of the First Collection Award for Young Poets, aimed at promoting new literary talents, with the winning collections set for publication by the House of Poetry.

Winners of the “Regional Competition for Pioneers of the Arabic Language” were also acknowledged, aimed at enhancing Arabic language abilities and creative writing in youth.

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