Some call it poetry, others call it song, but Malhoun is a language of its own, echoing through Morocco’s past and present.
Fez – Malhoun is one of Morocco’s most distinctive musical and poetic traditions, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and artistic history.
Originating during the Almohad era in the 13th century, this art form blends colloquial Moroccan Arabic with classical Arabic poetic structures, creating a unique form of expression that has endured for centuries.
Malhoun first emerged in the regions of Sijilmasa and Tafilalt before evolving in cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Salé.
It combines poetry, chanting, and music, forming an art form that has been preserved and passed down through generations.
The tradition relies on oral transmission, with poets composing intricate verses that are memorized and performed by skilled reciters known as “Sheikh Al-Nazam” for poets and “Sheikh Al-Nashad” for performers.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions
Malhoun is more than just poetry and music; it serves as a historical record of Moroccan society, capturing its customs, traditions, and values.
Researchers consider it a reflection of and on people’s emotions and experiences, addressing themes of love, spirituality, politics, and social issues.
According to scholar Azeddine El Moatassim, Malhoun carries profound symbolic and artistic elements, representing a vital source of Moroccan cultural identity.
One of the most significant aspects of Malhoun is its deep connection to Sufism. Many of its poems focus on divine love, spiritual enlightenment, and asceticism, often encouraging detachment from worldly pleasures.
Notable Sufi poets, such as Sidi Abdelkader El Alami and Mohamed El Harrak, composed verses celebrating mysticism and devotion, influencing generations of Malhoun artists.
Despite the pressures of modernity and globalization, Malhoun remains a cornerstone of Moroccan artistic expression.
Academics and cultural institutions, such as the Moroccan Academy, have documented and published collections of Malhoun poetry, highlighting its literary and historical significance. Renowned figures like Abdelaziz El Maghraoui and Ahmed Al-Kandouzi have contributed to this effort, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive.
Malhoun in Contemporary Morocco
Although Malhoun originated within traditional communities, it has expanded beyond its historical settings.
Artisans, farmers, scholars, and even sultans have played a role in its evolution. Today, it continues to be performed at cultural festivals, academic conferences, and public celebrations, reaffirming its place in Moroccan heritage.
As globalization reshapes cultural landscapes, experts argue that Malhoun’s resilience lies in its deep-rooted connection to Morocco’s identity.
Its ability to capture the essence of Moroccan life ensures that it remains relevant, bridging the past with the present.
Malhoun is not just a poetic and musical tradition; it is a living testament to Morocco’s cultural richness.
By preserving and promoting this art form, scholars, artists, and cultural institutions safeguard an essential part of the country’s heritage.
As it continues to evolve, Malhoun stands as a symbol of Morocco’s enduring artistic and spiritual identity.
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