The Abdellah Guennoun Foundation for Culture and Scientific Research in Tangier recently awarded the prizes for the 9th edition of its biennial cultural competition during a ceremony marked by the inauguration of its new cultural centre.

In the Islamic studies category, the first prize went to Mr. Kotb Raissouni and the second prize was awarded to Mrs. Mahassine Ahmadoun, while in the Moroccan literature category, Mrs. Nabawiya El Achab and Mr. Mohamed El Harraq received the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively.

Speaking on this occasion, the president of the foundation, Mr. Mohamed Guennoun El Hassani, highlighted the role of this institution in promoting research in Islamic and literary studies, particularly since the launch of this prize in 1990.

He also welcomed the inauguration of this new cultural centre, which is none other than the former home of the late Abdellah Guennoun, a great scholar, man of letters, and key figure in the city of Tangier, stressing that it is the first cultural centre located inside the Medina of Tangier and should enrich the cultural scene and promote meetings and exchanges between intellectuals and researchers from the city of the Strait and beyond.

This house, which was threatened with ruin, benefited from renovation and restoration work that lasted nearly three years for a budget of approximately four million DH, thanks to a partnership between the Abdellah Guennoun Foundation and the Al Boughaz Association.

Several partners contributed to the realisation of this project, notably the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) and the Italian association Cospe, as part of the "Siwa and Tangier: a heritage for a better life" project, funded by the European Union through the Euromed Heritage IV regional programme.

Born in Fez in 1908, the late Abdellah Guennoun grew up in Tangier during the protectorate. After his studies at the Qarawiyyine University, he returned to his favourite city where he notably opened the first private Moroccan school and actively contributed to the national movement for independence.

After independence, he was notably the first governor of the city and president of the local council of Ulema. He is also the author of several reference works in the national library, particularly in the fields of fiqh and history.

Before his death in 1989, he bequeathed his rich private library to the city of Tangier. The Abdellah Guennoun Library, which constitutes one of the main cultural institutions of the city, represents a meeting point for researchers, intellectuals, and students.