Presentation in Paris of the collective work resulting from the contribution of about fifteen artists, painters, and poets
The collective work “Les amoureux de Moulay Idriss Zerhoun” was presented on Tuesday evening at the Maison du Maroc in Paris, in the presence of a host of researchers, academics, and historians.
Resulting from the contribution of about fifteen authors and artists, painters and poets, all passionate, this work, published in May 2024, is entirely dedicated to the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. It explores the multiple facets of a city rich in its history and captivating in its charm.
Published by “Afrique Orient” editions, this 126-page book reveals, through the writings of its authors in particular, the cultural depth and the unique appeal of this emblematic city of the Kingdom, offering a new perspective on its heritage treasures.
“The texts reflect the diversity of the contributors. Each one attempts to celebrate in their own way a city, of which we all carry, with tenderness and pride, indelible traces. A sweet nostalgia takes hold of us whenever we recall the places, the people, the scents, the flavours, and the colours that make Moulay Idriss Zerhoun unique. A city whose alchemy leaves no one indifferent, including those who discover it for the first time,” reads the book’s presentation text.
From painting to poetry, through prose and autobiographical narrative, the collection offers the reader “a journey into an emotional universe,” which speaks volumes about the intensity of the authors’ relationship with the city.
According to its authors, the collection can be considered an “ethnographic account.” “It takes the reader on a journey into a disconcerting cultural universe. Sometimes the reader will be carried away by descriptive testimonies, sometimes they will appreciate the analytical perspective on a culturally kaleidoscopic city,” they point out.
In a statement to MAP on the occasion of the book presentation, moderated by writer Kébir Mustapha Ammi, Abdellah Chbihi, co-author of the work, indicated that this event was an opportunity to introduce Parisians and members of the Moroccan diaspora in France to “the richness of the cultural heritage” of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, “the spiritual significance,” and “the grandeur of the history of this city.”
“Les amoureux de Moulay Idriss Zerhoun” is not an academic work, but “a work of memory,” fuelled by the stories of the inhabitants, their childhood memories, their emotions, and their feelings, he specified.
“It is a true anthology imbued with nostalgia, a sincere expression of attachment to this city that motivated this project,” stated Mr. Chbihi.
For his part, Abdellah Ben Mlih, coordinator of the work, stressed that this initiative was intended as a modest but essential contribution to preserving the traces of a precious cultural memory, while recalling the central importance of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun in the Moroccan political and religious imagination.
He also indicated that this work has inspired others to initiate similar projects for other Moroccan cities.
He added that this initiative also helps to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and further valuing the exceptional heritage of the city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
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