Mr. Al-Arabi Al-Mahrachi, Member of Parliament for the Wazzan constituency and Vice President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council, expressed his pleasure at attending the opening of the second session of the Dar Al-Damanah International Forum for Remembrance and Listening, organized by the Al-Safa Association for the Praise of the Chosen One, in the city of Ouzane, renowned for its ancient civilization, the seat of glorious achievements and celebrated national heroism, and distinguished by its natural beauty and rich spiritual heritage.
This was stated by Al-Mahri in a speech delivered during the opening of the forum, organized under the theme “The Aesthetic and Spiritual Dimensions and Their Role in Serving the Unity of the Nation and the Ummah,” which took place from September 29 to 30 and October 1, 2022, in Bouzan.
The spokesperson also took the opportunity to highlight the efforts of the regional official in overseeing the organization of this second edition, while commending the work of the partners and supporters of this artistic and spiritual initiative, foremost among them the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication; the Regional Council of Ouzane; the Municipal Council of Ouzane; the Northern Regions Development Agency; and the President of the Regional Council.
Al-Mahrachi said that the forum’s theme was apt, as it serves as conclusive proof that the people of Wazzan are following in the footsteps of their forefathers, clinging to the region’s spiritual heritage and defending with all their might the territorial integrity of the homeland, from Tangier to Al-Kouira.
In a related context, Al-Maharashi emphasized that culture plays important roles in society, as it serves as a building block for achieving social and moral harmony, and as a catalyst for sustainable development. Throughout its long history, the city of Ouzane has been home to an exceptionally rich and diverse cultural and spiritual heritage, shaped by the fusion of its Islamic and Jewish components and its rich traditions, which have contributed to the formation of Dar al-Damanah’s rich intangible heritage. Since independence, the Ouzane zawiyas have strived to preserve and develop this heritage.
Al-Maharashi noted that the Dar Al-Damanah International Forum for Recitation and Listening is one of the commendable initiatives aimed at preserving, highlighting, and developing this heritage.
In addition, Al-Mahrachi stated that the Regional Council is making every effort to promote cultural activities across all provinces and regions of the region, a region that has every reason to be proud of its rich and diverse cultural heritage, as well as its many intellectuals and creators across various creative fields, particularly in the realm of religious recitation and music. The city of Ouzane is a vibrant hub where renowned artistic groups and ensembles shine, and where inspiring rituals, customs, and traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
The Regional Council has worked to strengthen cultural infrastructure and institutions in the Ouzane region, and today it supports and promotes all cultural events organized within its territorial jurisdiction. This explains its prominent and distinctive role in the regional cultural and artistic scene, as well as its deep commitment to the diversity found across all areas of the region. Undoubtedly, support for such artistic and recreational activities is based on the Regional Council’s awareness of the importance of these gatherings and festivals in promoting cultural and religious tourism, which will have a significant impact on economic, social, and cultural development at the regional level. This is in line with the noble vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God preserve him, who has consistently urged that the necessary care be given to our country’s tangible and intangible heritage.
Mourad Benali
