Tétouan Hosts The Sixth Edition Of The Moroccan Poets Festival With Over 40 Participants

The Moroccan Poets Festival recently commenced in Tétouan, Morocco, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and King Mohammed VI. This sixth edition, organised by Sharjah's Department of Culture alongside Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, spans three days. It features over 40 Moroccan poets, intellectuals, and artists.

The opening ceremony at Teatro Español was attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais and other dignitaries. Mokhles Essaghir, poet and Director of the House of Poetry in Tétouan, welcomed guests. He noted that the festival unites prominent Moroccan poetic voices and has attracted hundreds of poets over the years.

Al Owais highlighted poetry's role in expressing cultural identity. "A new edition of the Tétouan Moroccan Poets Festival is upon us," he said. "This special cultural event reaffirms the pioneering role of poetry in expressing rich cultural identity and values." He also conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to participants.

This year's festival paid tribute to poet Salah El Wadie and critic Houria El Khamlichi for their contributions to Arabic literature. Both expressed gratitude to Sharjah and the House of Poetry for recognising their work. Certificates and plaques were presented by Al Owais, Al Qaseer, Umahouche, and Mansouri.

Zhour Umahouche praised Sharjah's initiative in establishing Houses of Poetry across the Arab world. She stated: "I greatly value the initiative of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in founding Houses of Poetry across the Arab world." She also extended thanks to Sharjah’s Department of Culture for their pan-Arab efforts.

Diverse Poetic Traditions

Umahouche noted this year's diverse lineup featuring poets from various Moroccan regions representing Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, and other languages. "This rich diversity is rooted in Tétouan’s history," she said. The city is recognised as a World Heritage Site for its cultural significance.

The House of Poetry announced winners for its Debut Poetry Collection Award for Young Poets – Tétouan. Ali Badoun won first prize with Crawling on the Thorns of Dreams. Mohamed Al-Fattouh took second place with I Am a Secret That Came from Silence, while Mohamed Aghzait secured third with Scattered Prayers.

Encouraging Young Talent

A new initiative aimed at fostering love for Arabic among children was launched: the Arabic Language Pioneers Contest. This competition encourages young people to develop expressive skills through poetry recitation and story writing. More than ten young girls from various cities were honoured as winners.

The festival concluded with a musical performance by Nabila Maan who sang traditional songs to an enthusiastic audience. The event underscored Tétouan's role as a hub for literary modernity and creativity within Morocco and beyond its borders.

With inputs from WAM