Celebrating a Legacy of Reading and Cultural Dialogue
A magnificent ceremony took place on Friday night in Rabat, showcasing a perfect fusion of heritage and modernity as the city was officially inaugurated as the "World Book Capital 2026." This prestigious event aims to promote reading and foster intercultural dialogue, setting the stage for a year of literary celebration. The festivities commenced with a vibrant reading parade that wound through the streets of Rabat, culminating in the ceremonial handover of the "Book" torch from Rio de Janeiro, the previous World Book Capital, to the Moroccan capital.
The event was marked by captivating artistic performances that blended dance, music, drama, and calligraphy, highlighting the profound significance of reading and literature in both Moroccan culture and global history. From the ancient engravings found in Moroccan caves to the development of various writing systems such as the Sumerian and Pharaonic scripts, the celebration paid homage to Morocco's rich literary heritage and its contributions to the world. The ceremony also included reflections on books expressed in multiple languages, emphasizing their universal importance.
Speaking at the event, Alexandre Guimarães Lopes Parola, Brazil’s ambassador to Morocco, conveyed Rio de Janeiro's heartfelt congratulations to Rabat, emphasizing that this honor transcends mere symbolism. He articulated that the title represents a collective mission to make books a vibrant part of life, enabling meaningful dialogue across generations. Parola noted that over the past year, Rio de Janeiro had embraced this responsibility by integrating books into public life, and he expressed confidence that Rabat, as an African and Arab capital, will carry this mission forward with vigor. He underscored literature's role as a realm of freedom, capable of transcending borders and enriching our shared future.
Rabat’s Commitment to Cultural Advancement
Charaf Ahmimed, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb, praised Rabat as a UNESCO World Heritage site that epitomizes the dialogue between tradition and modernity. He highlighted the city’s potential to invigorate its cultural landscape, driven by a vision that aims to position Rabat as a cultural crossroads and enhance the role of literature in the lives of younger generations. Ahmimed emphasized that books serve as a vital tool for humanity to navigate challenging times, reflecting a deep-rooted desire for knowledge that transcends generations. He commended the collaboration between Morocco and UNESCO, which highlights culture as a cornerstone of development.
Moroccan Minister of Culture Mehdi Bensaid echoed this sentiment, stating that Rabat's selection as World Book Capital signifies not just an honorary title, but also international recognition of Morocco’s position as a beacon of intellect and a bridge for intercultural exchange. He reaffirmed King Mohammed VI's vision of culture as a catalyst for progress and stressed that access to knowledge is a fundamental right for all citizens. In this spirit, Bensaid announced a remarkable program designed to bring books to the forefront of public life, envisioning the city as an "open-air library" where global literature converges with local heritage.
The event promises a robust agenda of 342 diverse activities aimed at cultivating a culture of reading and fostering a vibrant literary industry. These activities will span 12 strategic themes, including open-air reading sessions, literary cafés, art exhibitions, mobile libraries, and workshops for those in the book industry. UNESCO's decision to designate Rabat as World Book Capital was based on a comprehensive assessment of the city’s historical and cultural significance, reflecting its enduring connection to literature and knowledge dissemination.
Rabat's designation as World Book Capital celebrates its millennia-long cultural heritage and its proactive engagement in the literary sphere, evidenced by over 54 publishing houses and a growing number of bookstores. This title places the city among a prestigious lineage of previous capitals, including Madrid, Alexandria, and New Delhi, and positions it as a key player in the democratization of knowledge through reading initiatives.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
