This forum, organised on the initiative of the TĂ©touan Commune, the Essaouira Commune, the Abdelmalek Essaadi University, the Essaouira-Mogador Association, the Moroccan Centre for Studies and Research in Hebrew Culture and Law (Bayt Dakira), and the Tamaynut Association, highlights the pioneering role played by the two cities in preserving the tangible and intangible heritage of Morocco, where each of them is a unique model of the cross-pollination of cultures and coexistence between different civilisational spectrums.
The forum, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Communication - Culture Sector - also seeks to highlight the authentic Andalusian heritage of the city of TĂ©touan and the multi-dimensional cultural openness of the city of Essaouira, which combine a rich historical legacy and a contemporary spirit that promotes shared human values.
The forum, which was marked by the presence of the Advisor to His Majesty, Founding President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, André Azoulay, the Governor of the Tétouan Province, Abdelrazzak El Mansouri, and a number of personalities, witnessed the signing of a protocol agreement aimed at revaluing the old bus station building (Al-Azhar) in the city of Tétouan through the creation of the Tétouan-Essaouira University of Culture and Heritage Sciences.
This academic and cultural initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, seeks to strengthen academic research in the field of cultural heritage, and to build bridges of cultural cooperation between Morocco and countries of the world, while preserving the cultural heritage of the city of TĂ©touan.
In a speech on the occasion, the Founding President of the Moroccan Centre for Studies and Research in Hebrew Culture and Law, Abdellah Ouzitane, highlighted that the organisation of this forum and the creation of the TĂ©touan-Essaouira University of Culture and Heritage Sciences embodies the determination and commitment of the partners to move forward to uphold the culture of diversity.
He pointed out that these projects stem from a continuous dynamic between TĂ©touan and Essaouira, the two millennial cities, noting that through initiatives of this kind, the two cities work together to broadcast, from the Kingdom of Morocco, a message full of values of peace, tolerance and respect for the culture of the other.
For his part, the President of the Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Bouchta El Moumni, considered that this event embodies the values of cultural and civilisational diversity which form part of the multiple Moroccan identity, recalling that TĂ©touan, with its authentic Andalusian legacy, and Essaouira, with its unique cultural spirit, are prominent models of coexistence and integration between cultures and civilisations, and the promotion of values of peace, tolerance and coexistence between different religions.
He also highlighted that the revaluation of the old bus station in TĂ©touan, which has long been awaited by the city's residents, will enable the creation of a unique academic building, and will contribute to the radiance and availability of discovering Moroccan heritage at the national and international levels.
The President of the TĂ©touan Commune, Moustapha El Bakkouri, and the President of the Essaouira Commune, Tarik Ottmani, praised the conclusion of this partnership between the two cities, which will enable the creation of a cultural university that will provide real added value to cultural development, both at the local and international levels, and contribute to strengthening relations between the two historical cities.
The forum also witnessed a special tribute to Mr. André Azoulay, in recognition of his prominent role in his continuous support for cultural initiatives that highlight the diverse Moroccan identity, and in promoting the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence.
The forum was interspersed with an Andalusian artistic evening performed by the TĂ©touan Andalusian Music Orchestra led by the artist Fahd Benkirane, and the artist Bilal El Houaj, with the participation of the artist Bahaa Ronda, and the artist Noureddine Tahiri.
It is noteworthy that this unique cultural event highlighted the Andalusian heritage, as one of the pillars of Moroccan cultural identity, and a factor for promoting the values of coexistence and peace.
