Within the framework of the activities of the eighth edition of the "Jazz under the Argan Tree" festival, which is organised annually in the city of Essaouira, a cultural meeting was held today, Saturday, titled "The Importance of Place, The Importance of Connection," in the presence of André Azoulay, advisor to King Mohammed VI.
The event, hosted by Bayt Dakira in the heart of the Medina of Essaouira, witnessed great interaction from the attendees who were brought together by their passion for culture and art, as well as the deep interest they have in the cultural and social bonds that connect people and place.
The meeting addressed the importance of place in shaping cultural and historical identity, showing that cities, such as Essaouira, carry a deep collective memory, where history meets geography in a unique harmony that forms a vibrant model of a city that carries within it a mixture of cultures and traditions that extend through the ages.
The speakers at the meeting pointed out that this city is a meeting point between Arab culture and Amazigh culture, as well as African and European influences, which makes it a living model of the cultural diversity that characterises Morocco.
André Azoulay confirmed in his intervention that place is not just geography, but a source of inspiration and a catalyst for creativity and innovation. Place reflects the history of peoples and their shared experiences, and provides a fertile environment for strengthening and developing cultural identity, noting that the "Jazz under the Argan Tree" festival is one of the most prominent events that celebrate these bonds, and contributes to highlighting the city's identity and strengthening its position on the global cultural map.
Journalist Abdellah Montassir said that the city of Essaouira has become a capital of culture and art par excellence, as it hosts a special music celebration almost every two months, adding that it is a city of tolerance, openness, and meeting between all cultures and religions.
Montassir added, in a statement to Hespress, that "today's seminar was a rich discussion between the guests present and the speakers to exchange ideas and know the importance of culture and what it can offer that politics has not offered," highlighting that the seminar "also comes as an affirmation of the importance of paying attention to Africa, culture, music, and jazz, which started from Africa to America and the rest of the countries."
For his part, Tarik Ottmani, Mayor of Essaouira, said in an interview with Hespress that "the eighth edition of the festival comes to conclude the cultural year in the city, which hosts 15 events throughout the year," explaining that the festival brings together more than forty artists from different countries of the world, such as Germany, Spain, Vietnam, Japan, India, America, and the Netherlands.
The speaker pointed out that what distinguishes this edition, whose activities are divided into three evenings, is "the participation of a group of local youth who chose the traditional musical style like Issawa and Hamadsha with the aim of honouring it and re-introducing it," which he considered "a joyful matter that calls for pride, especially since they presented a blend that mixes their melodies with artists from other countries."
At the conclusion of this cultural event, the speakers confirmed that "the importance of place, the importance of connection" are not just abstract concepts, but are a basis for consolidating bonds between individuals, and promoting peace and understanding between cultures and peoples through music.
The post With the presence of Azoulay.. A cultural meeting in Essaouira highlights the importance of place in shaping identity appeared first on Hespress - Moroccan electronic newspaper.
