Latest news with #DrissChraïbi
Ya Biladi
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
A tribute to Driss Chraïbi : Founding voice of Moroccan migration literature
Novelists Zineb Mekouar and Mustapha Kebir Ammi presented a joint reading of Les Boucs by Driss Chraïbi (1926–2007) on Wednesday during a gathering held in honor of the late author. Part of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL 2025), which is being held in Rabat from April 18 to 27, the event also featured contributions from academic Kacem Basfao, the author's widow Sheena Chraïbi, the president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), Driss El Yazami, as well as several other writers. It was a moment of reflection and exchange that highlighted a foundational and timeless work on Moroccan and Maghrebian immigration in France. Published in 1955, the novel marks a turning point in Maghrebian literature written in French and remains one of the most important works in Chraïbi's oeuvre. More than just a tribute, the commemoration of seventy years since the novel's publication is seen by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and the CCME as a key opportunity to make the writer's work accessible to all generations — from the youngest readers to those who knew him. Author Zineb Mekouar praised Chraïbi's work for its striking relevance, both in its literary style and its themes addressing the relationship with the Other, particularly in Europe and France. «For me, Les Boucs is a masterpiece of international literature. Even today, there is this marginalization of otherness, and a way of speaking for the other, in the name of the other, as if we knew them better than they know themselves — and this work responds to that in many ways», the writer said. «This confinement within media or political narratives is extremely dangerous and it challenges us. In today's world, Driss Chraïbi was therefore at the forefront in responding to this urgent need for counter-narratives through writing — to make his voice heard and thus become an actor in his own space, rather than a passive object of an orientalist fantasy». Celebrating Driss Chraïbi at SIEL 2025 and Beyond In a similar vein, Driss El Yazami recalled that Les Boucs is one of the greatest novels written in French about immigration, set against the historical backdrop of the Algerian War, virulent anti-Maghreb racism, and systemic socio-political control. He also noted that it was not translated into Arabic until 2021. El Yazami further highlighted the novel's importance as a cultural contribution from Moroccans around the world. In the joint booth of the Ministry of Culture and the CCME at SIEL, an exhibition space has been dedicated to Driss Chraïbi. Its creator, Kacem Basfao, explained that the initiative was part of a broader inclusive approach aimed at promoting literature for all. «While bringing together relatives and intellectuals, a posthumous tribute should allow an author to be discovered by those who don't yet know them. I find this is what has often been lacking in some tributes to our great authors, like Fatema Mernissi», he told Yabiladi at the close of the event. «The presence of friends and family members in these tributes is essential, and I find it beneficial to include academics, other writers, and intellectuals as well», he stressed. But to keep this legacy alive, «we need to find the right way to reach new audiences — otherwise, these gatherings can feel like preaching to the choir», he added. «That's why we created the Driss Chraïbi space as an extension of the joint booth of the Ministry and the CCME — to attract younger generations and introduce them to an author they might not yet know. This space has been very successful among schoolchildren, high school students, and early university students who are discovering texts, photos, and foundational elements of Chraïbi's work in a format that's accessible to them. It even encourages them to cultivate curiosity, deepen their research, and — why not — go on to read his books». Kacem Basfao For Basfao, «this is the entire point of the space and this tribute: that it be inclusive, open to all, and reflective of who Driss Chraïbi was — someone deeply engaged with his society and ahead of his time, in ways that feel more relevant than ever. This is especially true of Les Boucs, which addresses Maghrebian immigration in France, but also racism and violence at every level». Indeed, the organizers affirm that Driss Chraïbi «is not an inaccessible author». Through this series of public events, they hope «to make sure that everyone — but especially young people — don't feel intimidated by an author's name, and are instead encouraged to explore his work, which offers a vast intellectual openness for self-development beyond the traditional academic route». Toward Chraïbi's Centenary in 2026 This edition of SIEL, which specifically honors Moroccan authors living abroad, also marks the launch of a new initiative by the Ministry of Culture to translate the works of Moroccan writers around the world into Arabic and safeguard this literary heritage. To extend the tributes, a special screening was held the same day at the initiative of the CCME at the La Renaissance cinema, as part of a retrospective of pioneering Moroccan films on emigration and immigration. Audiences were invited to discover Conversations with Driss Chraïbi (2007), a documentary by Ahmed El Maanouni, followed by a discussion with Sheena Chraïbi and Kacem Basfao. Looking ahead to the centenary of Driss Chraïbi's birth in 2026, Driss El Yazami announced that a major celebration is already in the works. It will include revisiting the author's archives, exploring his work through readings and academic colloquia, and reflecting on his contribution to critical conversations about identity, exile, and memory.
Morocco World
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
30th SIEL Edition Kicks Off in Rabat with Books, Debates, and Culture
Rabat – With a breeze of fresh ink and rustling pages, the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) opened its doors today in Rabat, kicking off a ten-day celebration of books, ideas, and imagination. The atmosphere? Bookish, buzzing, and bursting with promise. From the moment the gates opened, readers flooded the aisles, leafing through titles in Arabic, Amazigh, French, English, and more. More than 775 exhibitors from 51 countries are taking part in this landmark edition, which places Rabat at the heart of global literary exchange. With over 100,000 titles on display, this year's SIEL doesn't just promise quantity, it delivers authenticity, depth, and discovery. The event, organized by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside the Rabat-Sale-Kénitra region and the city of Rabat, unfolds as part of broader efforts to position the capital as a cultural beacon, a goal that gains momentum as Rabat prepares to become UNESCO's World Book Capital in 2026. The fair's theme this year revolves around memory, literary, historical, and collective. Tributes throughout the program honor Moroccan icons such as Driss Chraïbi, Abdellatif Laabi, and Leila Abouzeid, among others, whose words continue to echo across generations. Morocco has long stood as a literary haven, its cities casting a spell over some of the most iconic writers of the 20th century. From the winding alleys of Tangier to the ochre walls of Marrakech, the country has inspired foreign authors who found in it a depth of culture, contrast, and storytelling unlike anywhere else. Paul Bowles made Morocco his lifelong muse. Anaïs Nin, meanwhile, was enchanted by the haunting beauty of Fez, its maze-like medina, its hidden courtyards, and its sense of timelessness. In her diaries, she captured the city's surreal atmosphere with the same introspective intensity that defined her work, letting Fez seep into her imagination like a half-remembered dream. Tennessee Williams and William S. Burroughs sought creative refuge in its layered landscapes, just as Edith Wharton and George Orwell captured fragments of its spirit in their travel writings. Jean Genet found poetry in its margins, and Esther Freud followed in the footsteps of this long line of literary pilgrims. Time and again, Morocco has proven its literary weight against all odds. Back to SIEL. The week ahead is packed with panel discussions, workshops, and debates touching on Moroccan and foreign literature, women and writing in Morocco, publishing challenges, poetry, and even the literary landscapes shaped by the Moroccan diaspora. Gaza, and the power of resistance through words, also finds a place in the book fair. This year's guest of honor, Sharjah, brings its own cultural depth to the fair. Emirati publishers and writers are joining hands with Moroccan counterparts in conversations that bridge the Arab world. Traditional heritage shows, Arabic calligraphy sessions, and workshops for children offer visitors a glimpse into Sharjah's literary heartbeat. As the sun set on the first day, this edition proved that it's a stride forward in Morocco's evolving cultural journey, placing books at the center of civic life and imagination, in hope that reading becomes a lasting part of daily life for Moroccans. If the first day is any indication, the coming days promise an interactive celebration of literature's power to bring people together, one page at a time. Tags: Book fairbooks moroccoMorocco literatureMorocco SIELSIEL 2025
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
