Eighth Moroccan Poetry Festival Opens in Marrakech Under Distinguished Patronage
A prestigious three-day celebration of poetic expression brings together more than fifty literary figures from Morocco and beyond, showcasing the enduring cultural partnership between the UAE and Morocco.
The eighth Moroccan Poetry Festival has commenced in the enchanting city of Marrakech, unfolding under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. This remarkable gathering, orchestrated by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, assembles more than fifty accomplished poets, intellectuals and artists across a three-day programme of profound cultural significance.
The opening ceremony, held at the distinguished Mayadine venue, welcomed an impressive assembly of dignitaries and cultural luminaries, including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sharjah. The Moroccan delegation was represented by Mohammed Benyaacoub, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside regional and ministerial representatives.
In his opening remarks, Al Owais eloquently articulated the festival’s noble mission in nurturing poetic expression and championing emerging talent. He commended the House of Poetry in Marrakech as a luminous institution, providing an exceptional platform where both established and emerging poets converge, fostering an enriching intergenerational dialogue. He described Marrakech as having evolved into a resplendent hub of poetic creativity, welcoming visionary minds to celebrate the profound beauty of literary expression.
Dr Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, whose address was delivered by Benyaacoub, celebrated the House of Poetry’s remarkable achievements throughout its nine-year history, extending its influence throughout Morocco and advancing poetry’s indispensable role in fostering meaningful cultural dialogue. He emphasised the enduring cooperation between Morocco’s cultural ministry and the Sharjah Department of Culture, underscoring the festival’s celebration of classical Arabic, Hassani and Amazigh poetic traditions through readings, scholarly discussions and prestigious awards.
The festival programme honoured three distinguished poets: Driss El-Milyani, Khadija Yakan and Mohamed El-Ghaith Kine, in recognition of their extraordinary literary contributions and intellectual influence upon Morocco’s poetic landscape. The eighth edition announced its prestigious award recipients across two categories. In the Best Poem competition, Mohamed Kabdani secured first place, with Abdelsamad Ait Mbarek claiming second position and Khawla Dahani receiving third. The Poetic Criticism category saw Abdeljalil El-Abbassi awarded first place, whilst Oussama Hamdouch and Noureddine Harhouri shared second place honours, with Youssef Kouazghar honoured with third position in the critical essays category.
The ceremonial proceedings featured two illuminating documentary films: the first chronicling the establishment and developmental journey of the House of Poetry, presenting testimonials from prominent cultural figures on its transformative role, whilst the second showcased the institution’s key achievements and initiatives throughout the preceding year, reflecting its steadfast commitment to advancing poetic and creative endeavour.
Source: WAM