Siel 2025: Celebrating culture and literary legacy in rabat

The international book and publishing fair (siel) in rabat has kicked off, gathering influential figures to discuss the evolving cultural and literary landscapes of morocco and beyond. This year’s event features over 775 exhibitors from 51 countries, showcasing more than 100,000 titles, making it a significant platform for international literary exchange.

Organized by morocco’s ministry of youth, culture, and communication in collaboration with local authorities, siel aims to position rabat as a cultural hub, especially in light of its upcoming designation as unesco’s world book capital in 2026.

A platform for cultural reflection

Driss el yazami, president of the council of the moroccan community abroad and former head of morocco’s national council of human rights, attended the fair and highlighted its cultural significance. Known for his activism, el yazami emphasized the fair's role in bridging human rights issues with questions of identity and intellectual engagement.

In a conversation at siel, he expressed joy at seeing children engage with literature, stating that the act of touching books is vital, regardless of purchasing. He praised the increasing global presence of moroccan literature, noting that it is now produced in various languages including arabic, amazigh, french, and spanish. This year's fair pays tribute to the moroccan diaspora, reflecting the nation’s diverse literary voices.

El yazami also addressed the decline in reading, calling for a collective effort to promote literature, stressing that it is the responsibility of both public institutions and local communities.

Voices of resistance

Another notable figure at the fair, celebrated poet abdellatif laâbi, discussed the intersection of literature and global tragedies, particularly focusing on the situation in gaza. Laâbi, alongside yassine adnan, has worked to amplify palestinian voices through poetry, selecting and translating works from 26 poets affected by the ongoing conflict.

Laâbi highlighted the importance of literature as a response to humanitarian crises, reminding attendees that its role transcends mere celebration of culture. His reflections underscore the necessity of resistance through language, a theme prevalent in his extensive body of work.

A celebration of literary discovery

Siel continues to attract thousands of readers and literary enthusiasts from across morocco. For many, it is an annual tradition, a cherished space for discovery and connection. One visitor, walid hmain, an arabic teacher, expressed his excitement about the fair, noting the welcoming atmosphere and the abundance of books available.

The upcoming week promises a rich program of panel discussions, workshops, and debates covering a variety of topics, including women’s writing in morocco, the challenges of publishing, and the literary contributions of the moroccan diaspora. The fair also highlights the situation in gaza, emphasizing the power of words as a form of resistance.

As siel progresses, dialogues with authors, publishers, and cultural figures are expected to address critical issues such as freedom of expression and the role of literature in times of crisis. With key voices like el yazami and laâbi leading the discussions, the fair reaffirms its status as both a marketplace for books and a vital forum for cultural exchange and reflection.