Eighth Moroccan Poetry Festival Kicks Off in Marrakech with Over 50 Participants

Organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture in collaboration with Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the three-day event features over 50 poets, intellectuals, and artists from both Morocco and abroad. The opening ceremony took place at the "Mayadine" venue and was attended by prominent figures including Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs in Sharjah; and Mohammed Benyaacoub, Secretary-General of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, who represented Minister Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid.

In his opening remarks, Al Owais emphasized the festival's importance in promoting poetry and nurturing emerging talent, commending the House of Poetry in Marrakech for its role in providing a platform for both young and established poets. He described Marrakech as a vibrant hub for poetic expression, bridging generational gaps and fostering creativity among poets.

Al Owais also expressed gratitude to the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication for its ongoing support, noting the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid praised the achievements of the House of Poetry over the past nine years and its impact across various regions in Morocco. He highlighted the festival's celebration of classical Arabic, Hassani, and Amazigh poetry through readings, discussions, and awards.

The House of Poetry honored poets Driss El-Milyani, Khadija Yakan, and Mohamed El-Ghaith Kine for their literary contributions to the Moroccan poetry scene. Additionally, the festival announced the winners of its eighth "Best Poem" and "Poetic Criticism" awards. Mohamed Kabdani secured first place in the Best Poem category, followed by Abdelsamad Ait Mbarek and Khawla Dahani. In the Poetic Criticism category, Abdeljalil El-Abbassi took first prize, with Oussama Hamdouch and Noureddine Harhouri sharing second place, while Youssef Kouazghar was awarded third.

The opening ceremony also featured two documentary films: one detailing the establishment and evolution of the House of Poetry in Marrakech, and the other highlighting the House's key achievements and cultural initiatives over the past year.