Cultural Café Reopens in Fez, Reviving the City’s Artistic and Literary Scene

Last Saturday, Fes News witnessed the reopening of the cultural café in Fez, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the city’s cultural and artistic movement. This space has become an open meeting place for readers, artists, and musicians, offering them a platform to engage in their activities and exchange ideas in an inspiring environment.

Speaking to Fes News, Saida El Mesfer, president of the association behind the initiative, emphasized that the café’s reopening comes after four years of operation, now under a more structured format as an association. “We aim to create an interactive space where visitors can read, enjoy music, and engage with various forms of creativity through intellectual debates, musical performances, and other cultural activities,” she stated.

El Mesfer highlighted the café’s role as a platform to support emerging talents in music, literature, and theater, offering specialized training sessions under the guidance of experts. She also stressed the need to revive the culture of reading printed books, especially in an era dominated by smartphones and social media.

Zakia Khai Sidi, the vice president of the association, pointed out that the initiative extends beyond cultural activities, encompassing a social and artistic dimension. “This cultural café is not just a reading space; it is a hub for artistic talents in theater, music, and singing. We welcome all artists eager to showcase their creativity, providing them with professional mentorship,” she explained.

She further underscored the importance of preserving Fez’s cultural identity, a city historically recognized as a beacon of knowledge and art. The association plans to host regular cultural and artistic events to foster interaction among different cultural stakeholders.

El Mesfer reiterated that one of the association’s main goals is to restore trust in traditional reading experiences. “We want to bring back the appreciation for books, as reading from printed materials offers a deeper and more meaningful connection to knowledge compared to fast digital consumption,” she asserted. She also called for more time to be dedicated to cultural engagement, noting that excessive reliance on social media has led to a decline in intellectual discussions and moments of contemplation.

Jamal Idrissi, an official at the Honorary Consulate of the Netherlands in Nador, expressed his delight in attending the event, which gathered social and community actors. He praised the friendly and engaging atmosphere of the gathering, which featured significant discussions. Idrissi also emphasized the importance of cultural and social exchange, advocating for joint efforts to develop Fez and its neighboring areas. He highlighted discussions on the development potential of the town of Bhalil, particularly its historical caves, which are unique national landmarks.

Faiza El Tazi, a social activist and former university professor, reflected on Fez’s rich heritage, describing it as a cradle of civilization and history. She expressed pride in the city’s legacy, notably as the home of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest existing university, which played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and scholarship. El Tazi also spoke about Fez’s long-standing tradition of cultural openness, serving as a meeting point for scholars and thinkers.

Moreover, she emphasized the importance of empowering women in society, noting that Fez has a historical record of female contributions in various fields, dating back to Roman times and continuing into the modern era. She urged for increased support for women in rural areas, advocating for programs that enhance their skills and opportunities.

Through this initiative, the cultural café aims to inject new energy into Fez’s cultural scene, promoting intellectual and artistic activities that reflect the city’s rich and diverse heritage. The hope is that this space will serve as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange between different generations, further enriching the cultural landscape of Fez.

source : fesnews media

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