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Marrakech Book Festival shines spotlight on Morocco’s rising English-language writers

Monday 20 January 2025 - 07:50 By: Dakir Madiha

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The Marrakech English Book Festival recently celebrated the vibrant and growing community of Moroccan writers crafting stories in English, with the Costa Goldex Morocco 2024 Awards honoring both established and emerging talents. The event underscored the increasing influence of English literature in Morocco, showcasing works that blend local culture with global appeal.

Celebrating literary excellence

The Costa Goldex Awards, a highlight of the festival, recognized accomplished authors, while the Young Writer’s Prize spotlighted fresh voices. Among the winners was Mhani Alaoui, whose novel *The House on Butterfly Street* earned her the top prize. Set in contemporary Casablanca, the book delves into themes of Morocco’s historical ties to slavery, women’s rights, and modern societal challenges. In an interview with Morocco World News, Alaoui described her win as “a privilege and a chance to share stories that matter.” She emphasized the importance of confronting history to understand its impact on the present.

Alaoui, who studied and lived in the United States, finds writing in English a natural choice. “English’s global reach allows me to connect with diverse ideas and audiences,” she explained. Her novel, co-published by Khbar Bladna, is available at Bloom Books in Casablanca.

Young voices, boundless imagination

The Young Writer’s Prize went to Rania Alami, a 17-year-old from Biogra near Agadir, whose fantasy stories explore resilience and personal growth. “Fantasy lets me create worlds where anything is possible,” she told Morocco World News. Alami, who began writing at the age of 10, finds English a powerful tool for self-expression. “Writing helps me organize my thoughts and unleash my imagination,” she added. Her works are accessible through the Moroccan Library Project and the Olive Seed Foundation, and she is currently working on her first full-length story, which she hopes to publish next year.

A platform for diverse stories

The festival also honored Ghita Ayasse Ouamane for her story *Beneath the Table*, Rim Berrada for *The Impact of Socioeconomics on Youth Opportunities*, and Ghizlane Derouich for *Weaving a Life*. Writers from across Morocco submitted their works, with a panel of authors, lecturers, and essayists meticulously selecting the winners.

Yassine Adnane, the festival’s president, highlighted the event’s mission to foster a community of English-language writers and readers in Morocco. “We needed a space to bring together those who share a passion for English literature,” he said. Adnane hopes the awards will inspire more Moroccans to write in English and demonstrate the growing readership for such works.

Bridging cultures through literature

The Marrakech English Book Festival not only celebrated literary achievements but also served as a bridge between Moroccan culture and the global literary landscape. By elevating stories that resonate both locally and internationally, the festival has positioned itself as a cornerstone for Morocco’s burgeoning English-language literary scene. Readers and writers alike can explore these compelling narratives at the festival, which continues to champion the power of words to connect cultures.

As English literature gains traction in Morocco, the festival’s impact is undeniable, offering a platform for voices that weave the richness of Moroccan heritage into the tapestry of global storytelling.