Rabat – The Moroccan red city of Marrakech has officially kicked off its tenure as the “Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for the year 2024.” The event commenced at the city’s Meydane Theater on Friday.
The designation of Marrakech as the cultural capital for 2024 entails a series of cultural, intellectual, and artistic events showcasing the Islamic civilization. The celebration aims to highlight the city’s unique charm, evident in its Andalusian architecture, mosques, Riyads, and rich oral heritage.
The grand launch ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, and the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Salem Ben Mohamed El Malek.
Key figures at the grand launch ceremony, including ambassadors from Arab and Muslim countries
The event featured a presentation highlighting Marrakech’s heritage and historical monuments, with a focus on the city’s spirit of coexistence, tolerance, pluralism, joy, and the art of living.
The inaugural event also featured performances by the musical band Fnaire and artist Nabyla Maan, creators of the official song for the event. The ceremony also treated the audience to musical and choreography performances by artist Yassine Lachheb, Gnaoua show, and Unity Dance group, led by choreographer Zakaria Bennane.
In his address at the event, the Director-General of ICESCO highlighted Marrakech’s unique assets, including historical monuments, ramparts, majestic palaces, beautiful gardens, and bustling streets.
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El Malik said that the choice of Marrakech as the cultural capital for 2024 is significant, as it represents a city of history, uniqueness, art, and cultural creation in all its forms.
Moroccan musical brand Fnaire performing at the grand opening
“Wherever one wanders in Marrakech, a glowing history embraces you, while the present and future carry you subtly to the airs of charm, joy, beauty, and magic,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Bensaid said in a statement to the media that designating Marrakech as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024 is a recognition of the cultural dynamism the city has been experiencing across all domains.
“The worldwide renown of Marrakech needs no demonstration. Therefore, we will seize this opportunity to better promote the heritage of the city in particular and the Kingdom in general through the organization of a series of cultural events and activities,” the Moroccan minister said.
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with ICESCO and the Municipal Council of Marrakech, will work together to ensure that the event meets the expectations of locals and city lovers alike, Bensaid concluded.
