12-02-2025
Seven Moroccans Win Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature
Rabat – The Arab Center for Geographic Literature – Irtiyad Al-Afaq has announced the winners of the 23rd Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature for 2024-2025. Among the 12 winners from five Arab countries, seven Moroccans won in different categories.
According to a statement from the center, three Moroccans won in the 'Edited Travel Texts' category. Abdelhadi Kaddouri won for his study and editing of 'Rihlat Al-Heshtouki – Hidayat Al-Malik Al-Allam, Ila Bayt Allah Al-Haram' by Abu Al-Abbas Al-Jazouli Al-Tamalli Ahzi Al-Heshtouki.
Houria Rifai won for her study and editing of 'Shifa Al-Gharam Fi Hajj Bayt Allah Al-Haram Wa Ziyarat Qabr Al-Mustafa' by Mohamed bin Mohamed bin Al-Hassan Al-Hajouji Al-Demnati, while Mohamed Al-Andalusi won for his work on 'Al-Rihla Al-Makkiya: France–Hijaz-Algeria' by Ahmed bin Al-Ayashi Skirej.
In the 'Diaries' category, Moroccan writer Mohamed Mohamed Khatabi won for his book 'Following in the Footsteps of Christopher Columbus: A Journey to South America, As If You Live There and Travel Through Its History.'
Moroccan researchers also won in the 'Studies' category. Abdelaziz Jadir won for his book 'The American Journey to Tangier Lands,' while Mohamed Al-Nidham won for 'Moroccan Travelers and France During the Protectorate Era: Levels of Overlap and Difference.' Abderrahman Al-Tamara won for 'Echo of Scenes: The Formation of Emotions in Contemporary Travel.'
Nouri Al-Jarrah, the director of the Arab Center for Geographic Literature and supervisor of the award, commended Morocco's contributions to travel literature. He stated that 'Moroccan scholars and editors always lead in the field of travel literature, and this year they have the largest share of achievements and awards.'
The winning works will be published by 'Dar Al-Suwaidi' publisher in the 'Irtiyad Al-Afaq' series for edited travel texts, the contemporary travel series 'Sindbad Al-Jadeed,' and travel literature studies in collaboration with the 'Arab Research and Publishing Institution' in Beirut. Translated travel books and travel diaries will be published in cooperation with 'Dar Al-Mutawassit' in Milan. Tags: AwardLiteratureMorocco
