Rabat – The opening days of Morocco’s International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) brought together a constellation of influential figures. From renowned authors to prominent rights advocates, the fair’s participants all converged to reflect on the evolving cultural and literary landscapes of the country.
With more than 775 exhibitors representing 51 countries, this landmark edition of SIEL places Rabat at the forefront of international literary exchange. Showcasing over 100,000 titles, the event offers not just scale but a rich experience rooted in authenticity, depth, and exploration.
Organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the Rabat-Sale-Kénitra region and the city of Rabat, the fair aligns with broader efforts to establish the capital as a cultural hub, momentum that continues to build ahead of its designation as UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2026.
A noble cause
Among the present figures in this year’s edition is Driss El Yazami, president of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and former head of Morocco’s National Council of Human Rights.
Known for his lifelong activism, El Yazami’s work continues to bridge human rights concerns with questions of identity, diaspora, and intellectual engagement.
During an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of this year’s SIEL, El Yazami reflected on the cultural significance of the fair and the enduring presence of Moroccan literature beyond its borders.
“Since the first time I came to the book fair in Casablanca in the early 2000s, I’ve always been impressed by the participation of the public, especially children,” he said. “Some people are bothered by it, but for me, seeing children touch books, even if they can’t afford to buy them, has always brought me joy.”
El Yazami described the fair as “a great cultural celebration” that resonates even if few books are purchased. “The act of touching a book, that alone is essential.” He praised the growing international presence of Moroccan writers, noting that “the Moroccan novel is now written in Arabic, Amazigh, French, Castilian, Catalan, German and Italian.” This year’s edition, which pays tribute to Moroccans living abroad, reflects this diversity.
Addressing the general decline in reading, El Yazami called for a national and collective response. “Promoting reading is of course the responsibility of public institutions and schools,” he said, “but it’s also up to local communities and each one of us.” He also stressed the importance of inspiring role models for young readers: “When Leïla Slimani won the Prix Goncourt, it inspired many young Moroccan writers around the world. We need characters who inspire us.”
El Yazami’s presence at SIEL notes the fair’s longstanding role as a platform for cultural introspection, where literature meets the public sphere and discussions stretch beyond the page to embrace historical memory and collective futures.
Also attending the fair’s opening day was the celebrated Moroccan poet and writer Abdellatif Laâbi. A towering figure in Moroccan literature, Laâbi’s work has shaped generations of writers and readers, both within Morocco and abroad.
The recipient of numerous international literary awards, his poetry and prose continue to interrogate power, exile, and the enduring power of the written word.
Laâbi spoke with Morocco World News (MWN) about the intersection of literature and global tragedies, focusing particularly on the genocide in Gaza.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the events, Laâbi explained, “What motivated me to work on the poetry of Gaza with Yassine Adnan was the tragedy faced by this part of the Palestinian people in Gaza over the past year. In the first weeks and months, I felt deeply distressed. I didn’t know what to do.” He described the struggle of finding the right words to express such deep sorrow, admitting: “I couldn’t write about what was happening as a poet.”
Instead, Laâbi and Adnan focused on amplifying the voices of Palestinian poets who were living the genocide firsthand. “The only idea that came to me, to us, was to make the voices of the poets heard,” Laâbi said. They selected 26 Palestinian poets, many of whom were difficult to reach due to the horrible conditions in Gaza. “It was a real guerrilla struggle we had to carry out to maintain the connection and receive the texts,” he shared, noting the effort it took to gather their work and translate it into French and Arabic for publication.
At SIEL, which has long served as a platform for global discussions on literature, Laâbi’s work reminded attendees that literature’s role is not just to celebrate culture, but to respond to the world’s most pressing humanitarian catastrophe.
Laâbi’s contributions to this year’s fair noted the importance of resistance through language, a thread that runs through much of his oeuvre, from his early activism to his contemporary reflections on spirituality and humanity.
Books for everyone
The fair also drew thousands of readers and book enthusiasts from across the country. For many, SIEL remains an annual tradition and a cherished space of literary discovery. Walid Hmain, an Arabic teacher and passionate reader, was among the first visitors on opening day.
“I came here today to get a lot of books, as you can see,” he shared, holding up a stack of his new treasures. He lauded the overall experience, commenting on the welcoming atmosphere: “The service is good, everyone is nice.”
With such a positive experience, Walid already has plans for next year’s fair: “I can’t wait to do it next year again.” His words show the excitement and good energy that SIEL continues to inspire in its visitors, making it a must-attend event for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The upcoming week is set to be filled with panel discussions, workshops, and debates exploring a wide range of themes, from Moroccan and international literature to women’s writing in Morocco, the challenges of publishing, poetry, and the literary contributions of the Moroccan diaspora. The fair also makes space for Gaza, noting the role of words as a form of resistance against the genocide.
As the fair continues, conversations with authors, publishers, and cultural figures are expected to delve into pressing topics ranging from freedom of expression to the role of literature in times of crisis. With voices like El Yazami and Laâbi at the forefront, SIEL once again affirms its role not only as a marketplace of books, but as a vital meeting point for dialogue and reflection.
