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The 31st International Book and Publishing Fair concluded last weekend in Rabat, celebrating literature under the theme “Books are Journeys, and Journeys are Books.” This year’s dedication to the legendary traveler Ibn Battuta coincides with Rabat being named the 2026 World Book Capital, emphasizing Morocco’s rich literary heritage.
Celebrating Literary Journeys
The fair culminated in the prestigious Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature, where winners were honored by Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside Nouri Jarrah, director of the Arab Center for Geographical Literature. The event underscored not only the recognition of remarkable contributions in travel writing but also Morocco’s historical role as a crossroads of cultures.
Noteworthy Winners
In the category for studies on travel literature, Tunisian researcher Adel Nefati received the award for his book “Mirrors of Symmetry.” Egyptian scholar Mahmoud Mohamed Makki was recognized for his work in editing “The Book of the Garden in Wonders of the Earth and the Garden.” Other notable awardees included Tunisian researcher Mohamed El-Zahi for his edition of “The Journey of Monk Arsenios Shukri Halabi to the European Kingdoms,” and Indian scholar Saleh Sahib Al-Azhami for presenting a translated version of the “Indian Traveler to the Gulf and the Coasts of Baghdad.”
Moroccan translators Redouane Nassih and Mostafa Nacha won in the translated journey category for their translation of Edmondo De Amicis’ book “Morocco.” The contemporary journey award went to Emirati author Ahmed Ameri, recognized for his book “The Traveler Who Met Another.” Meanwhile, Chadian writer Rozi Jaddy took home the diary award for “Above the Pyramids, Beneath the Domes… Diaries Between Cairo and Istanbul,” while Palestinian writer Osama al-Eysa received accolades for “Alone Under the Sky of Jerusalem.”
Honoring a Legacy of Travel Literature
Attendees were gifted a special book detailing the winners and their works, alongside a retrospective list of award recipients since the award’s inception in 2003. Minister Bensaid emphasized Rabat’s role as the “capital of travel literature” and praised the Moroccan contribution to this genre, highlighting the nation’s long history of exploration, whether to the East or deeper into Africa.
“Travel for Moroccans is more than exploration — it’s a narrative that reflects other cultures while allowing the world to see themselves through our eyes,” he stated.
Cultural Bridges Through Ibn Battuta
The award’s namesake, Ibn Battuta, was celebrated as an emblem of cultural dialogue. Emirati poet Mohammed Al-Suwaidi remarked on Battuta’s enduring significance, stating, “No Arab figure is more fit than this illustrious traveler to symbolize the dialogue of civilizations.” His most famous work, “The Gift for Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Countries and the Marvels of Journeys,” serves as a testament to the knowledge and wonder inherent in travel literature.
Nouri Jarrah further elaborated on the choice of Ibn Battuta as the symbolic figure of Rabat’s literary celebrations, emphasizing the award’s role in bridging Moroccan culture with the wider global community. He acknowledged the fruitful cultural partnerships that have amplified the studies and appreciation of travel literature within the Arabic literary landscape.
A Bright Future for Travel Literature
As Rabat prepares to embrace its title as World Book Capital, the fair and the Ibn Battuta Award signal a resurgence in the exploration of travel narratives, shedding light on Morocco’s pivotal place in the literary world. The event serves not only to honor the past but also to inspire future generations of writers and scholars to delve into the rich tapestry of experiences that travel literature offers.
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Ibn Battuta, International Book Fair, travel literature, Rabat book capital, Moroccan literature, cultural exchange, literary awards
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Rabat’s International Book Fair highlights travel literature, honoring Ibn Battuta and celebrating Morocco as the 2026 World Book Capital.
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Celebrating travel and culture: Rabat’s Book Fair highlights the legacy of Ibn Battuta, setting the stage for Morocco’s literary future!
