Tribute to Edmond Amran El Maleh at Rabat’s International Book Fair

The 29th International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) held in Morocco’s Rabat paid homage to the legacy of the esteemed Moroccan writer and intellectual, Edmond Amran El Maleh, in a high-level conference that celebrated his prolific contributions to literature and culture.

The conference, titled “Crossed Perspectives: Edmond Amran El Maleh, a Thought that Challenges Us,” was organized by the Edmond Amran El Maleh Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. It gathered luminaries from the Moroccan cultural sphere, including friends of El Maleh and scholars well-versed in his oeuvre.

Moderated by Professor Driss Khrouz, the event featured notable figures such as André Azoulay, advisor to His Majesty the King, acclaimed novelist and former Minister of Culture Mohamed Achaari, and researcher Mohamed Habib Samrakandi. Each speaker reflected on their personal experiences alongside El Maleh, highlighting his diverse literary repertoire, philosophical insights, and unwavering commitment to Moroccan nationalism.

In his address, André Azoulay expressed profound appreciation for the unprecedented success of the SIEL and emphasized El Maleh’s profound impact on Moroccan society. He remarked, “Edmond Amran El Maleh would have been the happiest of Moroccans amidst tens of thousands of visitors celebrating the Book, a testament to the enduring relevance of his work.” Azoulay also underscored El Maleh’s advocacy for diversity, stating, “El Maleh would have taken pride in the historical momentum our country is experiencing, championing the legitimacy and richness of our diverse heritage.” The conference concluded with Azoulay recalling El Maleh’s fondness for Essaouira, expressing gratitude for the author’s contributions to Moroccan Judaism and his advocacy for dignity and freedom for all.

The 29th edition of the SIEL, held from May 9 to May 19, featured a dedicated stand commemorating Edmond Amran El Maleh’s literary legacy and his enduring influence on Moroccan culture. Through his works and activism, El Maleh left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Morocco, enriching its cultural diversity for generations to come.