فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Since last Friday, the city of Meknes has been alive with the rhythm of the 2nd National Malhoun Forum, held under the evocative theme: “Meknes Through the Eyes of Malhoun Poets.” This cultural event highlights a rich and authentic artistic heritage that combines poetry and singing, deeply rooted in Moroccan popular memory.
Organized by the Meknes Association for Malhoun Heritage and Issaoua Dhikr, in partnership with the Provincial Directorate of Culture and the Municipality of Meknes, the forum is part of ongoing efforts to preserve this ancient musical art, transmit it to future generations, and enhance its status. The event pays tribute to Meknes, considered one of the main cradles of Malhoun, by showcasing its historical figures and traditional popular songs.
Honoring a Legend of Malhoun
Under the banner of loyalty to the late masters, this edition pays special tribute to Sheikh Hammoud Ben Driss, a prominent figure in Moroccan Malhoun and an icon of Kasbah Hadrach, a major center for the creation and transmission of Malhoun in Meknes.
Through this posthumous recognition, the association, chaired by Haj Omar Tazi, aims to honor the memory of those who preserved the authenticity of this popular art and ensured its continuity across generations.
Poetry, Singing, Spirituality, and Transmission
The forum featured a rich program combining poetic evenings, musical performances, tributes, and academic conferences. A roundtable titled “Malhoun as a Vector of Identity and Cultural Citizenship” gathered several researchers and scholars on Saturday to explore the cultural, educational, and social dimensions of this unique art form.
The event concluded on Sunday with a grand “N’zaha,” an artistic and spiritual excursion in nature, punctuated by recitations of Malhoun qasidas—poems ranging from religious praises to love and humorous verses, as well as texts with philosophical and moral themes.
Meknes: Capital of Malhoun and Living Memory
Through this forum, Meknes reaffirms its role as the cultural capital of Malhoun and its deep connection to an art that blends music, poetry, spirituality, and popular education.
This cultural gathering is part of the association’s activities aimed at preserving Morocco’s intangible heritage and restoring the prestige of the Malhoun capital after the passing of great masters such as the late Haj Houcine Toulali and Mohammed Boutabet Khyati.
By supporting current masters and involving the youth, the forum serves as a bridge between generations, a living platform for cultural citizenship, and a strong act in favor of Morocco’s intangible heritage.
