The upcoming National Forum, organized by the House of Poetry in Marrakech, promises to be a significant event dedicated to honoring the winners of the prestigious awards for Best Poem and Literary Criticism, specifically aimed at young poets, critics, and researchers. This seventh edition, scheduled for October 2025, will commence with a special celebration of these remarkable literary achievements during the opening ceremony of the Moroccan Poetry Festival.
The forum will feature a series of poetic readings from a diverse group of talented poets, alongside presentations from the award-winning young critics and researchers who will delve into essential questions and issues surrounding Moroccan poetry. These discussions will primarily focus on critical inquiries that are central to their studies, research, and articles, contributing to a rich intellectual dialogue about contemporary Moroccan poetry.
Continuing with the poetic readings, the event will culminate in a roundtable discussion titled "The Current State of Moroccan Poetry, Through Its New Poetic Voices." This national forum stands as a testament to the commitment of the House of Poetry in Marrakech to provide a platform for emerging poetic and critical voices, thereby nurturing a vibrant future for Moroccan literature and scholarship.
Over the years, the National Forum has grown into a cherished cultural tradition, becoming the largest gathering of young creative minds in Morocco. Previous editions have served as vital cultural and poetic milestones, celebrating the voices of the future and reinforcing the ongoing commitment to the evolution of Moroccan poetry and its critical landscape, all within the strategic framework of the House of Poetry in Marrakech, which aims to connect creative achievements in Moroccan poetry with critical discourse.
This year, the House of Poetry is excited to present the seventh volume of its collective anthology, "Poetic Illuminations (7)," which will feature poems from 48 poets who have been awarded the Best Poem prize as well as those selected by the jury for publication. Additionally, the second section of the anthology will include articles from the winners of the Literary Criticism award, showcasing the insightful analyses of critics such as Ibrahim Bouabdellah, who explores the cultural and historical dimensions of Moroccan poetry, and Mohammed Taichinit, who examines metaphor and culture.
Furthermore, renowned critic Abdulrahman Asahli, who won the first prize for young critics, will present his new book titled "Pragmatics in Moroccan Poetry," while the second prize winner, Khalid Qadrus, will unveil his work "Textual Formation Between Creativity and Meaning." Both publications have been released by the House of Poetry in Marrakech, highlighting the dedication to fostering literary excellence.
The collective anthology "Poetic Illuminations" celebrates the works of various poets, including Hamid Adikbli, Moaad Ben Talib, Omar Raji Amanar, and many others, while the second section is dedicated to the winning articles from critics Ibrahim Bouabdellah and Mohammed Taichinit. The awards for Best Poem and Literary Criticism aim to encourage young talents in the realm of poetry and criticism, promoting an openness to new poetic voices and motivating them to continue their literary endeavors.
Since its inception in 2017, the House of Poetry in Marrakech has championed Moroccan poetry and its myriad questions, showcasing the richness of generations, sensibilities, and experiences within this flourishing literary landscape. This ongoing commitment to contemporary poetic voices is reflected in the programming and strategies of the House, which aims to honor linguistic diversity and cultural variety in Morocco. The forum serves not just as a celebration of achievements but also as a crucial space for dialogue and exchange among young poets and critics, fostering a deeper understanding of Moroccan poetry's vibrant tapestry and its ongoing evolution.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
