Sixth Moroccan Poets Festival Concludes With Celebrations Of Poetry And Culture In Tetouan

The Moroccan Poets Festival recently wrapped up its sixth edition, celebrating three days of literary excellence. The event concluded at the National School of Crafts and Arts in Tetouan. Attendees included Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, and Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs. The festival attracted numerous writers, intellectuals, and students.

Participants praised Sharjah's role in supporting Arab culture. They noted that Sharjah has become a model for nurturing a new generation of Arab intellectuals. This success is attributed to the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who views culture as essential for societal development.

Sharjah's cultural initiatives have not only supported artistic production but also fostered an environment that encourages reading and critical thinking among young Arabs. Many who have engaged with these initiatives are now influential figures in literature and the arts.

The festival featured over 40 poets and artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity. A special segment was dedicated to visually impaired poets at the Taha Hussein Institute in Tetouan. This unique gathering highlighted how poetry can transcend barriers and inspire through life's details.

A critical symposium titled "Poetry and the Performing Arts" took place on the second day. Speakers discussed how poetry transforms into performance art when combined with movement or music. This fusion creates what is known as "the poetics of performance," offering audiences a multi-sensory experience.

The intersection of poetry and performance was emphasised by speakers who described it as a magical blend where words meet movement and voice meets silence. This synergy turns poems into living entities, providing a visual and emotional experience for audiences.

The festival honoured 83 students who participated in a poetry writing workshop organised by the House of Poetry in Tetouan. Additionally, 18 students were recognised in a regional competition for Arabic Language Pioneers, involving collaboration with numerous educational institutions.

Mukhlis Al Sagheer, Director of the House of Poetry in Tetouan, highlighted the festival's commitment to innovation with each edition. He noted that this year's event had significant official presence alongside an enthusiastic public audience passionate about poetry and art.

The House of Poetry in Tetouan was established in 2016 and aims to continue its efforts by organising an exceptional seventh edition next year to mark its tenth anniversary.

With inputs from WAM