Morocco Embraces Openness to Global Cultures at Paris Book Fair
The country's active participation as the guest of honor at the Paris Book Fair serves as a testament to this approach, affirming its dedication to bridging cultures through artistic and intellectual exchange.
In an interview with French news channel TV5 Monde, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco's Minister of Culture and Communication, spoke of what he described as the North African nation's distinctive position as a crossroads for diverse cultures.
'The strength of Morocco lies in its ability to harmoniously coexist multiple cultural identities within the same national space,' Bensaid explained. He emphasized that Morocco's cultural vitality and richness are deeply rooted in its diversity, a factor that is both celebrated and incorporated into the country's cultural policies.
Highlighting the nation's multilingual character, Bensaid outlined how languages like Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, French, Spanish, and even English are an integral part of Morocco's cultural and historical fabric.
'Our cultural policy is centered on ensuring equitable access to culture, regardless of the language in which the work is created,' he noted, showcasing the government's commitment to inclusivity in the arts.
A cultural bridge
Amid growing global identity tensions, Morocco positions itself as a cultural bridge between Europe and Africa.
Drawing on its historical heritage, including Andalusian influences and the Gnawa tradition, Bensaid stressed that Morocco uses its rich cultural history to foster reconciliation and peace. 'Morocco leverages culture as a means of rapprochement, linking diverse cultural backgrounds together,' he argued.
The Minister also pointed out Morocco's strategic approach to decentralizing cultural efforts, ensuring that regional specificities are valued and integrated into the national narrative. This drive for cultural decentralization plays a significant role in the country's broader objective to amplify its cultural diversity on the global stage.
Bensaid also noted that Morocco's strong presence at the Paris Book Fair aligns with the recent state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, during which several bilateral cultural agreements were signed.
'This event offers a unique opportunity to share a piece of Moroccan cultural history with the French public, Francophone communities, and the Moroccan diaspora, helping to solidify the cultural ties between our nations,' he said.
In addition to celebrating Morocco's literary heritage, Bensaid emphasized the importance of the Paris Book Fair as a platform for showcasing the nation's wider cultural offerings.
He stressed the pivotal role of books in the development of the creative and cultural industries (CCI), from cinema and theater to gaming and visual arts. Tags: minister bensaidMoroccan Cultureparis book fair
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