Fes Festival of World Sacred Music 2024 Kicks Off with Turkish Participation
On Thursday evening, the Moroccan city of Fes inaugurated the 29th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, featuring a notable participation from Turkish artists, including the renowned Whirling Dervishes. The event exemplifies the deep cultural ties between Turkey and Morocco, drawing attention to the rich traditions that both countries share.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Turkey's ambassador to Morocco, Mustafa Elker Kilic, who appreciated the festival's role in fostering intercultural dialogue. The Whirling Dervishes performed their traditional spiritual dance, which involves turning counterclockwise around a central point, a ritual that transports participants into a state of spiritual transcendence. Dressed in their iconic white robes, the performers captivated the audience, inviting them to experience a profound spiritual journey that echoes the centuries-old legacy of the Mevlevi Order in Turkey.
This year's festival, which runs until June 7, features approximately 160 artists from various countries, including India, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Egypt, China, Ghana, Brazil, Germany, and France, showcasing a diverse array of musical styles. The closing concert on Sunday will see performances by the Turkish Whirling Dervishes alongside the internationally acclaimed artist Sami Yusuf, with other notable participants including Pakistani singer Sanam Marvi and Irish artist Niamh Bury.
The organizers aim to establish the festival as a platform for dialogue between religions, cultures, and musical heritages from around the globe. Founded in 1994 in the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fes, the festival has evolved into a bridge connecting diverse cultures and peoples, promoting understanding and appreciation of the world's rich spiritual music traditions. Events are held at some of the city's most historic sites, where participants present performances that blend spiritual heritage with contemporary creativity.
As reported by yenisafak.com.
