Unveiling Morocco's toponymic tapestry : Mouna Hachim's captivating exploration

Wednesday 15 May 2024 - 07:49

By: Dakir Madiha

Unveiling Morocco's toponymic tapestry : Mouna Hachim's captivating exploration

At the prestigious International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) in Rabat, acclaimed novelist and essayist Mouna Hachim presented her latest work, "Villes et villages du Maroc. Étymologie, histoire et légendes" (Cities and villages of Morocco: etymology, history, and legends).

Held on Monday evening, the event gave her a platform to explore the origins of Moroccan place names.

Published in French with support from the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), the book takes the form of a dictionary. It offers insights into Morocco’s history through toponymy.

With over 460 entries arranged alphabetically, it covers all regions of the country, blending history, etymology, and ethnology.

Mouna Hachim did not merely present historical facts. With a touch of creativity, she enriched her work with enthralling mythical tales and popular narratives, adding an extra dimension to her exploration of the origins of Moroccan place names.

During the presentation, the author shared the profound reasons that compelled her to undertake this ambitious project. Her passion for traveling across the Kingdom and her numerous visits to Moroccan cities and villages awakened an insatiable curiosity to understand the origins of their names. "All of this pushed me to explore the intricacies of history in search of answers. It was a scientific subject with multiple research dimensions that must be studied from all angles," she confided.

Mouna Hachim followed a rigorous scientific methodology in her research and documentation process, adopting an interdisciplinary approach combining history, anthropology, and geography. Her goal was to present the rich and fascinating history of Morocco, spanning several centuries, through precise historical documentation of actual events.

Holding an Advanced Studies Diploma (DEA) in Comparative Literature from Hassan II University in Casablanca, Mouna Hachim is a prominent figure in the Moroccan literary landscape. A prolific author, she has published several acclaimed works, including "Les Enfants de la Chaouia," "Dictionnaire des noms de famille du Maroc," "Histoire inattendue du Maroc," "Les Manuscrits perdus," and "Ben Toumert ou le dernier jour des voilés." Her expertise extends to the media, where she has participated in radio and television programs, as well as documentaries exploring Morocco's cultural, architectural, and genealogical heritage.