This book, published in May 2024 and entirely dedicated to the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, is the result of contributions from about fifteen passionate writers, artists, illustrators, and poets. The work explores the multifaceted aspects of a city rich in history and captivating in its beauty.
Through the authors' texts, the book, which spans 126 pages and is published by Afric Orient, highlights the cultural depth and unique appeal of this Moroccan city with its special symbolic character, offering an unprecedented look at its heritage treasures.
The book's introduction states: "The texts are as diverse as the contributors to this work, with each one attempting to celebrate, in their own way, a city whose traces we all proudly bear. Every time we recall the places, people, scents, flavours, and colours that make Moulay Idriss Zerhoun such a special city, we feel a sense of nostalgia. It is a fascinating city, especially for those discovering it for the first time."
From drawing to poetry, and prose to autobiographical narrative, the collective book offers the reader "a journey into an emotional world," deeply reflecting the strength of the bonds that unite the authors with the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
According to its authors: "The collective book can be considered an ethnographic narrative, taking the reader on a journey through a diverse cultural world. At times, the reader will be drawn to descriptive testimonies, and at other times, they will appreciate the analytical perspective that sheds light on a city characterised by its cultural diversity."
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), on the sidelines of the presentation ceremony of this publication, moderated by writer Kabir Mostafa Ammi, Abdellah Chibhi, one of the book's authors, noted that "this event was an opportunity for Parisians and members of the Moroccan community in France to discover the rich cultural heritage of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun and the spiritual significance and great history of this city."
He explained that the book is not an academic work but rather a "work about memory," drawing from the stories of the inhabitants, their childhood memories, emotions, and feelings. He added, "It is a true bouquet full of nostalgia, and a sincere expression of attachment to this city that motivated this project."
For his part, Abdellah Ben Mellih, the book's coordinator, stated that this initiative "represents a modest but necessary contribution to preserving the features of a precious cultural memory," highlighting the central importance of the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun in the Moroccan political and religious imagination.
He also affirmed that this work has inspired others to launch similar projects highlighting other Moroccan cities, adding that this initiative also works to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and valuing the exceptional heritage of the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
