Taha Belafrej Presents His Book “13 Kilometers” in a Human and Cultural Journey Across the Iberian Peninsula
The conference hall at the Multimedia Library of the Hassan II Mosque Foundation in Casablanca hosted a meeting on February 6, 2026, to present the book “13 Kilometers” by author Taha Belafrej, moderated by journalist Najiba Jalal, director of the “Express TV” website.
In this literary work, the author takes readers on a human and cultural journey through Spain and Portugal, following the Andalusian heritage. The narrative transcends geographical boundaries to reveal the depth of human and cultural connections that distances cannot erase nor time diminish. Along this journey, readers encounter characters such as Lola, Ramon, Francisco, Juana, and even a young Moroccan migrant in Mertola, each bearing their own story that highlights the human and cultural interactions among peoples.
During the seminar, Belafrej discussed the process of writing the book and collecting notes and impressions from his travels, emphasizing that the primary objective is not merely to recount events but to encourage readers to embrace reading and discover the cultural and intellectual ties between nations.
The author noted the significance of small human encounters in enriching literary work, recalling an experience with Teresa Ribera, the former Spanish official and current Vice President of the European Commission for Sustainable Development, who wrote the book’s preface. He stressed that these experiences reflect the truth that geographical proximity and a shared past do not guarantee unity; rather, it is the willingness, effort, and desire for communication that build a shared present and future.
Belafrej also reviewed his previous experience with his book “Heritage,” stressing the importance of introducing youth to national cultural and intellectual symbols instead of merely relying on modern global knowledge, considering reading a means to build an individual and their community and reconnect them with their cultural identity.
The author emphasized that “13 Kilometers” represents more than just a geographical journey; it is an invitation to reflect on human and cultural ties and explore how temporal and geographical distances can become bridges for communication between peoples.
