Latest news with #RabatInternationalBookandPublishingFair
Morocco World
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
SIEL 2025 Celebrates Literature's Role in Africa's Political Awakening
Rabat – The Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) 30th edition provided an occasion for reflection and tribute on Wednesday, April 23, as intellectuals gathered to mark the 29th anniversary of the passing of Mohamed Bahi Horma, one of Morocco's most influential journalists and authors. The fair, a prominent gathering for Moroccan literature, became a space for celebrating past achievements and probing the continuing relevance of Bahi Horma's work in shaping the intellectual landscape of the region. The centerpiece of the day's events was the presentation of the ninth volume of Bahi Horma's collected works, 'Le rêveur meurt, mais son rêve ne meurt pas' (The Dreamer Dies, But His Dream Does Not Die). The enduring relevance of Bahi Horma's writings This new volume, published by Bab Al-Hikma and curated by M'barek Bouderka, compiles articles Bahi Horma wrote for 'Al-Tahrir' and 'Al Moharrir' between 1959 and 1965. These pieces take a profound look at the revolutionary struggles that shaped modern Africa and Morocco's intellectual scene during the post-colonial era. Bouderka, who was instrumental in bringing the book to light, spoke passionately about the themes explored in the new volume. 'This book addresses a critical period in African history, specifically the years 1958 to 1961. Bahi Horma's meticulous research and reporting on General de Gaulle's campaign in Africa reveal the complexities of France's attempt to reshape its relationship with its former colonies under the guise of the French Fifth Republic,' he explained in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN). Ever the sharp observer, Bahi Horma recognized the French initiative as a continuation of colonialism in a new form. 'De Gaulle's attempt to create a French-African Commonwealth was a veiled extension of colonial domination, disguised as an opportunity for mutual cooperation,' Bouderka added. This perspective is an important contribution to understanding how former colonial powers continued to shape African nations' fates even after they gained independence. The book offers a deep exploration of the political dynamics of the time, particularly focusing on the pivotal moments in Guinea's independence movement. In a scene that remains iconic, Guinea's leader, Ahmed Sékou Touré, famously rejected France's offer: 'We prefer poverty in freedom to wealth in slavery.' On September 28, 1958, while most of France's colonies voted 'yes' to the new Constitution, Guinea stood alone as the only territory to vote 'no,' with over 95% of the vote. Bahi Horma's analysis of these events is as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. The book also looks at the assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the groundbreaking Casablanca Conference of 1961, and Bahi Horma's detailed account of Sudan's political strife during a 1965 visit. In his reporting, Bahi Horma coined the term 'militarytariat' to describe the tense relationship between military regimes and the working class, a concept that remains strikingly applicable to many African countries still grappling with political instability. Power of thought Tayeb Bayad, a leading academic and contributor to the discussion at SIEL, also offered a sobering reflection on Bahi Horma's intellectual legacy. Bayad's words were echoed by Mahmoud Al Zahi, a researcher who noted the intellectual weight of Bahi Horma's contributions to understanding the geopolitical shifts in North Africa and the larger African continent during a time of monumental change. Bahi Horma's writings did not only reflect events; they also served as a tool for mobilization, calling on the intellectuals of the time to engage in the political struggles for independence. Bouderka, who helped bring this latest volume to the public, emphasized that Bahi Horma's work was always more than mere documentation. 'He believed that intellectuals had a duty to participate in these struggles, not just observe them,' he explained. 'His support for African liberation movements wasn't passive; it was deeply engaged and empathetic.' This year's tribute at SIEL was a reminder that Bahi Horma's work was more than an academic exercise; it was a force that shaped how Moroccans and Africans viewed their place in the world. His commitment to truth, independence, and social justice reverberates through his writings, continuing to challenge readers to think critically about power, politics, and identity in the post-colonial era. Bahi Horma's dream may have passed with his death, but as his latest volume shows, his ideas remain very much alive, continuing to inspire generations of readers and thinkers. Tags: Mohamed Bahi Hormapostcolonial AfricaRabat book fairSIELSIEL 2025
Mid East Info
24-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association Enhances Arab Cooperation to Protect Creators' Rights - Middle East Business News and Information
The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) is participating in the 'Sharjah Guest of Honour' activities at the Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), which commenced on 17 April and will continue until 27 April. This participation aligns with ERRA's ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional and international presence and expand its influence in the field of reprographic rights and related rights protection. It also presents an opportunity to enhance the exchange of expertise between the UAE and Morocco in rights management, and to share successful experiences in legislation and best practices. Through its participation in the exhibition, the association aims to raise awareness of the importance of fostering a reprographic rights culture, emphasise the need to protect the literary and creative rights of their owners, and highlight the UAE's national approaches in developing an intellectual property protection system. It also seeks to strengthen its strategic relations by building new partnerships and signing cooperation agreements with reprographic rights authorities in Morocco and the countries participating in the exhibition. Commenting on this participation, Dr Mohammad Alkamali, Board Member of the Association said: 'Our participation in the exhibition affirms our commitment to expanding cooperation with our brotherly nations in the Arab world and enhancing efforts to protect the intellectual rights of creators. We believe in the importance of integrating the roles of cultural and legal institutions to ensure an environment that stimulates innovation and protects the products of thought and creativity in light of the rapid developments in the creativity and intellectual property sector. We are keen to share the Emirati experience and benefit from the pioneering experiences offered by the Kingdom of Morocco in this field.' The association's programme includes a dedicated exhibition booth to introduce its activities and initiatives within the 'Sharjah Guest of Honour' pavilion. This will also include a distinguished dialogue session titled 'Preserving Creators' Rights – The Emirati-Moroccan Experience,' bringing together experts from the UAE and Morocco to showcase the two countries' experiences in preserving reprographic rights and creative rights for authors. The dialogue session addressed the role of policies, legislation, and institutions in protecting creators' rights, their contribution to developing the creative economy, and the challenges they face. It also reviewed best practices and discussed innovative solutions that would contribute to ensuring the sustainability of creative production and supporting a knowledge-based economy. The session was attended by Mohammed bin Dekhain, President of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, Dr Mohammad Alkamali, a member of the association's board of directors, and Dalal El Mhamdi El Alawi, Director of the Moroccan Office of Reprographic Right and Related Rights. This participation reflects the association's commitment to promoting regional dialogue and exchanging expertise with brotherly nations, contributing to the development of an integrated legislative and institutional environment that supports creators and preserves their rights in the Arab world.
Sharjah 24
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah named official Guest of Honour at 30th RIBF
The announcement was made during a ceremony at which Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and Latifa Moftaqir, General Coordinator of RIBF and Director of the Moroccan Archives Foundation, signed the agreement. This announcement marks a significant step in enhancing Arab cultural exchange and deepening ties between intellectuals and literary figures from the UAE and Morocco. As the Guest of Honour, Sharjah will present a diverse cultural agenda highlighting the UAE's contemporary and historical literary and artistic achievements, and the programme will also celebrate the richness of Emirati heritage and the cultural values it shares with Morocco, fostering greater mutual understanding and collaboration. A global cultural dialogue Commenting on the announcement, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, said, 'Culture is one of the most powerful channels through which nations and societies connect, fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. It extends beyond literature, art, and music to encompass the identity and values that define communities. Morocco's decision to honour Sharjah as RIBF's Guest of Honour provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the two countries' deep historical ties and explore the shared cultural heritage that unites our peoples.' The Chairperson added: 'For centuries, Morocco has been a centre of thought, creativity, and scholarship, which yielded invaluable contributions to intellectual and literary heritage, not only within the Arab world but also globally. This recognition is not just a tribute to Sharjah and the UAE; it is a platform for fostering dialogue and exchanging expertise between the diverse cultures and civilisations of the eastern and western Arab world.' Sheikha Bodour continued, 'We are honoured to participate in this international event and look forward to presenting a diverse cultural programme that reflects the vibrancy and depth of the Emirati literary and creative landscape. This programme will catalyse collaboration between both nations' publishers, writers, and intellectuals, enriching the Arab cultural sector and strengthening its connections with the wider global literary community.' Commenting on Sharjah's selection as the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, said: "I am delighted to welcome Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair. This reflects the strength and depth of the historical and fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE." He added: "This will be a valuable opportunity for visitors to the fair to explore the rich culture, history, and literary contributions of the Emirate of Sharjah. We experienced Sharjah's dedication to culture and literature firsthand when Morocco was celebrated as the Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair. That event was a resounding success, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah." He concluded: "Once again, we extend a warm welcome to Sharjah in Rabat. This edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair will be a great opportunity to further deepen cultural cooperation and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between our two nations." For his part, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: "Morocco has long been a cultural beacon, seamlessly blending the depth of Arab-Islamic heritage with the influences of global intellectual thought. The honouring of Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at the RIBF 2025 reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural ties that unite us. This celebration is a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who positioned culture as the foundation for fostering relationships between nations, founded on the belief that knowledge is the cornerstone of renaissance and sustainable development." He added: "Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we are focused on strengthening Arab and global cultural exchange. Our participation in the international event presents a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration with Morocco and expand partnerships between intellectuals, publishers, and creatives from both sides. This is based on Sharjah and Rabat's shared cultural vision of supporting the publishing industry, advancing translation initiatives, and promoting intellectual production that enhances the global presence of Arab culture." A comprehensive Emirati cultural programme As Guest of Honour, Sharjah will participate in RIBF with a comprehensive cultural programme that highlights the history and contemporary evolution of Emirati literature and creative arts in various forms. More than 15 Emirati publishers will also present their latest works at the event. The participation will also include panel discussions featuring Emirati writers and intellectuals alongside their Moroccan counterparts. The programme will also feature dedicated workshops for children, offering them an interactive introduction to Emirati heritage. Additionally, traditional performances will showcase the diversity and richness of the UAE's cultural landscape. In celebration of Arabic calligraphy, Emirati calligraphers will also collaborate with their Moroccan counterparts to create artworks, highlighting the artistic and cultural ties between the two nations. Through this comprehensive programme, the UAE's participation in the fair will offer an immersive and enriching experience that seamlessly blends literature, art, and heritage.
