Held under the theme “Reimagining a shared world,” this year’s Lettres du Maghreb will bring together Moroccan and international writers, publishers, intellectuals and artists to discuss literary creation, intercultural dialogue and changes in the publishing industry. The fair will take place on the esplanade of Oujda’s Stade d’Honneur.
Organized by the Oriental Development Agency (ADO), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and several regional institutions, the event aims to strengthen its national and international profile. African literature and the continent’s diverse artistic expressions will have a prominent place in the program.
At a press conference ahead of the fair, Mohamed Mbarki, director-general of the Oriental Development Agency, highlighted the richness and long history of Morocco’s literary heritage. He also emphasized the event’s role in promoting reading, supporting intellectual creation and encouraging exchanges among professionals across the book industry.
Ghyslaine Derrous, director of Books, Libraries and Archives at the Ministry of Culture, pointed to the fair’s growing national and international reach. She said its distinctive feature lies in combining the promotion of publishing with intellectual debate, notably through meetings and thematic roundtables.
A program spanning literature, debate and the arts
Covering approximately 5,000 square meters, the fair will feature publishing house and public institution stands, areas dedicated to children and young people, and conference rooms. A cultural caravan and a literary café for book presentations and signing sessions will also be part of the program.
Conferences, roundtables and meetings will bring together authors, researchers and publishing professionals from several countries. Discussions will address major questions in contemporary thought, the challenges of literary creation and the links between cultures.
The program will also extend beyond the main venue to other locations across Oujda. Events are scheduled at Mohammed First University, Omar Ibn Abdelaziz High School and Oujda’s local prison in an effort to widen access to cultural activities.
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Poetry evenings, artistic gatherings and an exhibition of visual art by artists from the Oriental region will further enrich the program.
Artificial intelligence enters the debate
The impact of artificial intelligence will feature prominently in discussions about the future of literature and publishing. Organizers intend to examine how the technology is changing literary creation, publishing practices and the professions associated with the book industry.
Debates will consider both the opportunities offered by these tools and the challenges they pose for intellectual production, artistic creation and the distribution of works.
Through this year’s program, Lettres du Maghreb aims to consolidate its place in Morocco’s cultural landscape while expanding its connections with literary communities across the Maghreb, Africa and the wider world.
