Sixth Moroccan Poetry Festival Opens in Marrakesh
Marrakesh, The Gulf Observer: The sixth Moroccan Poetry Festival launched on Friday evening in Marrakesh, marking a distinguished collaboration between H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. This year’s festival is organized by the House of Poetry in Marrakesh, in partnership with Sharjah’s Department of Culture and the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
Held at the historic Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdesalam, the festival’s opening drew an enthusiastic crowd, with more than 30 Moroccan poets, artists, and intellectuals set to present their work over the course of the three-day event. Among the notable attendees were Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Head of Sharjah’s Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs in Sharjah’s Department of Culture; and Hisham Aboukari, Director of the Arts Sector, representing Dr. Mohammed Al Mahdi bin Saeed, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
The Moroccan Poetry Festival this year takes place against the backdrop of Marrakesh being designated as the Islamic World Cultural Capital for 2024, spotlighting the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and historical significance. The festival has further enhanced recognition for the art of poetry, uniting artists and enthusiasts in a celebration of literary expression within Marrakesh’s dynamic atmosphere.
An audio presentation opened the event, highlighting the achievements of Marrakesh’s House of Poetry during its seventh season, including prominent cultural and artistic activities from the previous year.
In his address, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais emphasized the value of recurring poetic gatherings in fostering creativity and honoring the beauty of poetry. He expressed appreciation for the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication’s partnership, and extended greetings from the Ruler of Sharjah, stating, “In this prestigious gathering, I am honoured to extend to you the greetings of the Ruler of Sharjah, along with his wishes for your success and prosperity.”
The Moroccan Poetry Festival continues to serve as a pivotal platform for the promotion of poetry, bringing together a diverse array of voices and perspectives that enrich Morocco’s vibrant cultural landscape.
