Latest news with #30thInternationalPublishingandBookFair
Morocco World
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
SIEL 2025 Draws 403,000 Visitors With Strong Turnout From Moroccan Writers Abroad
Rabat – The 30th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) closed its doors on Sunday after welcoming more than 403,000 visitors, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication announced. The turnout marks a 26% rise compared to last year, reflecting the fair's growing influence on Morocco's cultural calendar. Bringing together 756 exhibitors from 51 countries, SIEL offered readers access to nearly 100,000 titles, spanning literature, science, philosophy, and thought from across the world. This year, special attention turned to Moroccan writers living abroad, whose strong presence reflects the rising global popularity of Moroccan literature. This year's edition also honored the Emirate of Sharjah as guest of honor. The fair came to life through the efforts of the Ministry of Youth with support from the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Regional Council and the local authorities. SIEL 2025 has further solidified Rabat's place as an important cultural capital. The city drew visitors and authors alike into conversations that crossed borders and generations, anchoring its role on the national and international stage. The fair also stood out as a true crossroads of cultures and ideas. It hosted a wide range of panels and debates discussing a great number of issues, ranging from human rights to new literary tendencies. The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) made a particularly strong appearance, engaging visitors in conversations around freedom of expression and cultural rights. Meanwhile, a dedicated space for children offered workshops and storytelling sessions, nurturing a love for books and imagination from an early age. Throughout the week, SIEL brought together voices from different horizons, turning Rabat into a lively meeting ground for readers, writers, and thinkers from across the globe. As the doors close on this year's edition with a bittersweet farewell, the anticipation for what's to come already begins to brew. Readers, writers, and culture vultures alike now turn their eyes to next year's festival, speculating about how SIEL will grow and thrill next. Until then, this year's fair's energy is certain to linger. Tags: Book fairMorocco SIELSIELSIEL 2025
Ya Biladi
27-04-2025
- General
- Ya Biladi
Honoring Lalla Khiti Benhachem : Pioneering Moroccan journalist celebrated at SIEL 2025
The Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) organized a ceremony and debate in honor of Lalla Khiti Amina Benhachem Alaoui, the first Moroccan journalist at Belgian Radio and Television, as part of the 30th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL). The gathering, attended by researchers, media professionals from Morocco and abroad, and members of Benhachem Alaoui's family, featured testimonials highlighting the uniqueness of her media career and her contributions to migration issues and intercultural dialogue, according to the organizers. In a speech read on her behalf, Benhachem Alaoui noted that her media work served as «a bridge between cultures, between Morocco and Belgium, between generations, and between who we are and who we become». Academic and researcher Hassan Bousetta emphasized that the duo formed by Benhachem Alaoui and her husband, director Mehrdad Taghian, became a key part of the history of Moroccan immigration in Belgium, helping shape the representation of immigrants in public broadcasting. For Karim Ibourki, president of the Higher Council for Audiovisual Media in Belgium, Lalla Khiti's reports were the first to «show both French-speaking Belgians and Moroccans that they were going to be part of the same society». Testifying to their friendship and achievements, French journalist Claire Frachon recalled meeting «the legendary couple, Lalla Khiti and her husband», during a conference in the early 1990s that brought together European journalists and producers. She also spoke emotionally about the importance of the program Sindbad, which showcased inspiring journeys and initiatives led by migrants. Lalla Khiti Benhachem's work accompanied and reflected the history and transformations of Moroccan immigration in Belgium over several decades, until her retirement in 2010. This marks the second time the CCME has honored her for her pioneering role and exceptional career in Belgian media. This edition of SIEL celebrates Moroccans around the world with a rich and extensive program. As part of this tribute, the CCME organized several events honoring Moroccan figures who have made a significant impact on the international cultural scene.
Morocco World
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Morocco Pays Tribute to Literature with 55th Morocco Book Prize Awards at SIEL
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication held the 2024 Morocco Book Prize ceremony this Saturday in Rabat, alongside the 30th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL). Marking its 55th edition, the Morocco Book Prize is one of the country's most distinguished honors for intellectual and cultural achievements. Each year, it brings forward the breadth and depth of Morocco's literary and scholarly work, paying tribute to the efforts of writers, researchers, and thinkers who enrich the national cultural landscape. A panel of academics, researchers, and writers carefully reviewed and selected the winning works after thorough deliberations. This year's Poetry Prize was shared between Idriss El Melliani and Mohamed Aziz El Hossini. Said Montasib received the Narrative Prize. Meanwhile, the Human Sciences prize was shared between Hicham Rakik and Samir Ait Oumghar. Hassan Taleb earned the Translation Prize, while Larbi Moumouche received the Award for Amazigh Cultural Studies. The Amazigh Literature Prize went to Fouad Azeroual. No award was given in the categories of Social Sciences, Literary, Artistic and Linguistic Studies, or Children's and Young Adult Literature, with the jury deciding that entries did not meet the set standards. The 23rd Ibn Battouta Prize for Travel Literature was also awarded on Saturday in SIEL. The ceremony gathered figures from the world of media, culture, and literature. Read also: SIEL Opens with Conversations on Culture, Memory, and Literary Legacy Morocco's Minister of Youth, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, pointed to the importance of the prize, now in its 23rd year, while also noting its contribution to building a rich body of research and texts. The director of the Arab Center for Geographic Literature, Nouri Al Jarrah, described the Ibn Battouta Prize as a major reference point for Arab cultural life. Seven Moroccan writers featured among the twelve winners this year, dominating several categories, including research, translation, and analysis in travel literature. In the 'Verified Travel' category, Moroccan researchers Abdelhadi Kadioui, Houria Rifi, and Mohamed El Andaloussi were jointly awarded for their studies on historical travel accounts. Other Moroccan winners included Mohamed Mohamed Khattabi in the 'Daily Journal' category and Abdelaziz Jadir, Mohamed Naddam, and Abderrahman Temmara in the 'Studies' category. Meanwhile, the Jordanian Issam Mohammed Al-Shahadat and Lebanese Issa Makhlouf received prizes in the categories of translated travel literature and contemporary travel writing, respectively. Since its creation in 2000, the Ibn Battouta Prize has honored 144 writers from 20 countries and four continents. Gathering writers and cultural workers from across Morocco and beyond, this year's SIEL turned into a haven where literature, culture, human rights, and education met in a spirit of exchange. It has notably solidified Rabat's designation as UNESCO's World Book Capital 2026. Tags: Book fairBook PrizeRabat book fairSIELSIEL 2025
Ya Biladi
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Rabat's rich history illustrated : Moroccan artists unite for World Book Capital 2026
A group of around ten Moroccan illustrators gathered from April 21 to 24 for an artistic residency at the Museum of History and Civilizations in Rabat. Over three days, they worked to enhance visually captivating pieces celebrating the beauty and cultural richness of the Moroccan capital. Held under the theme «Rabat, Capital of the World through Children's Book Illustrations», the residency took place in a studious and serene atmosphere as part of the 30th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL 2025). It brought together illustrators from diverse backgrounds to share experiences, techniques, and styles. The residency culminated in the creation of a collective comic strip illustrating the history of Rabat. In a statement to MAP, Mickaël El Fathi, a Franco-Moroccan author and visual artist, explained that the residency—organized as part of the Arab Youth Literature Forum—brought together young illustrators to create visuals for an original literary text titled «Rabat, Capital of the Book», which he authored. To support this imaginative narrative, which traces Rabat's history from antiquity to the present day, the story was divided into sections, with each illustrator responsible for adapting one part in their own artistic style. Designed as a space for research and reflection on the city's architectural, historical, and symbolic memory, the residency offered participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Rabat's living history. They explored the role of illustration in transmitting knowledge, preserving memory, and evoking emotional resonance. Amina Alaoui Hachimi, illustrator and professional development manager at the Arab Forum of Children's Book Publishers, noted that the residency aimed to highlight the importance of mentorship and training in children's book illustration. Ilham Flouki, an illustrator and graduate of the National Institute of Fine Arts in Tetouan, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with fellow artists on a project that showcases Rabat's historical legacy. She emphasized how the experience enabled her to both apply and expand her skills, ensuring a seamless fusion of text and image. Organized as part of the celebration of Rabat's designation as World Book Capital 2026, the event was coordinated by Yasmine El Kaouakibi, editorial director at Yanbow Al Kitab publishing house. It was supported and proposed by the Arab Forum of Book Publishers, based in Sharjah, with the aim of fostering greater international visibility for Moroccan illustrators and strengthening their ties with children's book publishers across the Arab world and beyond.
Morocco World
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
SIEL's 30th Edition to Celebrate Moroccan Literary Giant Driss Chraïbi
Mrirt – As Morocco's capital city is preparing to host the 30th International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), the event will honor the legacy of acclaimed Moroccan author Driss Chraïbi during its April 18-27 run. Visitors to the fair will find a special exhibition space devoted to Chraïbi, whom organizers describe as 'one of the major figures in Moroccan and world literature.' The display will feature photographs, testimonials, and a comprehensive collection of his iconic literary works. Earlier this year, Driss El Yazami, who heads the Council for the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), revealed plans for the Council's pavilion to celebrate a significant literary milestone: the 70th anniversary of Chraïbi's pioneering novel 'Les Boucs' (The Butts). Published in 1955, this work stands as the first Moroccan novel to explore themes of migration. Chraïbi's journey began in El Jadida where he was born in 1926, followed by his formative years in Casablanca. In 1945, he traveled to Paris to pursue chemistry studies before ultimately embracing a career in literature and journalism. His remarkable literary contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Mediterranean Africa Prize for his body of work in 1973 and the Franco-Arab Friendship Prize in 1981. Read also: Rabat to Convene Global Bibliophiles in April 2025 with SIEL's 30th Edition The celebrated writer spent his final years in southeastern France's Drôme region, where he had resided since 1988 until his death in April 2007. Morocco's Literary Renaissance Two major recent events have shown that Morocco is rapidly emerging as a significant hub for literature and publishing. The 29th edition of SIEL in Rabat attracted over 316,000 visitors — a 32% increase from the previous year — with 743 exhibitors from 48 countries showcasing nearly 100,000 titles across diverse fields. Meanwhile, Casablanca's second International Children and Youth Book Fair's impressive attendance of over 101,000 visitors and 340 exhibitors from 29 countries reflects the country's efforts in fostering literature. Not only did the event serve as a gathering for book enthusiasts, but it also constituted a platform to foster creativity, literacy, and collaboration among Morocco's youth. These literary festivals aim to revitalize reading habits in Morocco during a time when the practice is unfortunately declining. Their goal is to inspire more citizens to engage with literature and contribute to the growth of the local literary ecosystem. This year's SIEL is poised to attract major figures in the publishing world, offering a dynamic space for cultural dialogue, literary discovery, and professional networking. Tags: Book fairDriss ChraibiMoroccoSIEL
