MEMORY OF ACTIVITY: MEETING ESSAOUIRA 2017
The 1st edition of MEETING ESSAOUIRA took place from April 12th to 16th, 2017 – coinciding with Easter.
It was a joint venture between AKFHE Association d’Ensegnantes Femmes et Hommes d’Essaouira (Morocco) and AC Producciones Grandela Danza y Música (Spain)
We work to create, develop, and fulfill academic, cultural, and artistic projects that promote cultures coming together. We do this by sticking to our mission (being a bridge between cultures), and driven by respect to cultural diversity, tolerance, defense of all expressions of art and faith in a more beautiful world.
In this spirit, last April we carried out MEETING ESSAOUIRA in co-production with AKFHE (Morocco). It consisted of a cultural retreat in Morocco about artistic and spiritual diversity in Islamic culture.
The goal: sharing knowledge and bringing the audience closer to the miscellaneous nature of Islamic culture through its artistic expression in spiritual practice.
First, we did some field research. We chose Essaouira, Morocco, as a representative for our endeavour because multiple creeds and traditions have lived together in harmony throughout its history – extending to present day.
Several entities, bodies and professionals from Spain and Morocco cooperated with the project – through dissemination, translation of texts, event hosting, and artistic and academic involvement. We thank all of them for their support: ReFAL Anna Lindh Foundation, Instituto Cervantes Marrakech, UCM, UB, IEMed, África Fundación Sur, EST Université d’Essaouira, Association Essaouira Mogador, Regional Office in Essaouira of the Ministry of Culture, Sidi Ben Abdallah Mohammed Museum, Destino Mundo ONG, Riad Al-Madina. Zaouia Qaderiyya, Zaouia Tiyaniyya, Zaouia Hmduchíiyya. Professors and PhDs: Mohamed Couhim, PhD, Mohammed Oubihi, PhD, Abdellah Jalil, PhD, Hassan Kabus, PhD, Abderrazzak Mesbahi, Abdessamad Sabqi. Photography: Kabir Brioui
The assessment of the activity was very positive. It left a good impression on us, moved our hearts and made us want to keep on learning and sharing.
The program comprised academic activities (lectures), research (interviews of spiritual leaders of different traditions), cultural dialogue (round table, open to debate and discussion), ritual artistic expression (Zaouia, hmadcha, regraga).
The total participation was 500 people. They felt they gained very positive objective information from the experience.
MEETING ESSAOUIRA started in EST Université d’Essaouira on April 12th. Carolina Grandela, Chair of ACPG, opened the event by thanking and welcoming on behalf of the organization of the intercultural project.
This first morning comprised of really interesting lectures, then a discussion and the delivery of diplomas. The final touch was the spontaneous performance of singer Abdel Ilah Ahadour. Moved by the atmosphere created by the topic discussed, he improvised a beautiful song belonging to the Sufi tradition’s sama' ritual writings. Such singing overawhelmed the audience, who sang along and finally broke out in emotional applause.
Brahim Sedram, Chair of AKFHE, concluded with a deep reflection highlighting the importance of backing meetings between cultures where identity basics are shared in order to bring peoples closer.
The event ended with a meal provided by Redwane Kahn, PhD, the Honorary Consul of Spain in Essaouira.
(EST Université d’Essaouira)
The content of the lectures was as broad – comprising a wide variety of topics – as it was specific – some of them being discussed in depth.
The participation as moderator and translator-interpreter of Professor Aimad Redouane was invaluable. Not only did he give a voice to the Spanish audience through some participatory interventions, but he also prepared a post-lecture report for MEETING ESSAOUIRA organisation. It's thanks to said report that we can share today the academic subjects discussed, which we list below.
SUFI HERITAGE: DIVERSITY, UNITY, RELIGIOUS COEXISTENCE
Researcher and historian MOHAMMED OUBIHI, PhD, outlined geographical and historical background defining the features of the Sufi heritage in the Islamic world. After providing a general overview, he spoke of the pointing peculiarity of Essaouira's identity, which has existed until present time through the diverse and active spiritual practice of its society. The Zaouiat (ancient schools of Islam’s mystical practice through absentmindedness, litanies and praise-singing as a way of approaching God) are particularly important as a rooting element for Essaouira's society. They focus religious activity on rites of moderate Islam. The Argragiyya, Yasuriyya and Tiyaniyya Zaouiat are worth pointing out for their historical relevance.
The Souri (from Essaouira) model is a harmonious example of spiritual practice diversity. The reason for this is both its link to art as a means of expression and the influence throughout history of African, Christian and Jewish communities, reaching tolerance fusion that cannot be found anywhere else.
(in the picture from left to right, Dr. Mohamed Couhim, Aimad Redouane, Dr. Mohamed Oubihi)
SUFI EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT IN HUMAN BEHAVIOUR.
Historian MOHAMED COUHIM, PhD, focused his lecture on the impact of Sufi spiritual education on citizens. He tackled how the basics, when used in a positive way, can modify human behaviour to the benefit of world harmony. He based his statements on several exempla from Quran ayats and hadiths (sayings of the prophet Muhammad). First, he explained some personal development basics through tariqa (spiritual path) that exist in Sufi education. Then, he followed with how they influence Islamic practice towards a more constructive modus operandi; affecting global, ecological and social awareness.
(In the image, the hall of EST Universitè d'Essaouira where the lectures were held and to the right the Director Karima Jalil, collaborator of the project).
(In the image, moment taken during the conferences).
SIDI BEN ABDALLAH MOHAMMED MUSEUM hosted the 2nd day of lectures:
RAGRAGA BASICS.
Anthropologist and researcher ABDESSAMAD SABQI shared his research on spiritual practice in the Essaouira region. It covers from before the arrival of Islam, in the period of the Amazigh (Berber) population and their faiths (Judaism, Christianity, animism and some early trends of mysticism), until the advent of Islam and its process of adaptation and syncretism, and the arrival of Arab Kabyle people (tribe families) to the area. In a time of upheaval and constant attacks between the central power and the Zaouiat, the Argagríyya Zaouia taifa brought peace and political and social stability to the area thanks to its spiritual practices.
MYSTICAL DIVERSITY IN ISLAM.
Traditional and cultural heritage researcher HASSAN KABUS, PhD, introduced the origins of Sufi tradition in Morocco. It comes from the tasawwuf al-islami, practitioners of Islamic spirituality, who apply their rites, knowledge and principles towards the pureness of the soul in its divine fulfillment, in coherence with God's haqiqa (truth) and its relationship towards the cosmos. A tool for personal growth was developed. It reinforced safety among the believing community, generating an ambiguous relationship between power (the government) and the mystics (tasawwuf) existing still today. He explained the influence of Eastern Islam in Moroccan Sufism. He mentioned Al-Faquir Lahssan Al-Yussi, who is famous for contributing to the spread of Moroccan Sufism. He talked about the Madh Sama’ rite and the content of its music, which uses both tasawwuf spiritual knowledge and their works and behaviours
(In the picture, from left to right, Abdessamad Sabqi, Prof. Aimad Redouane, Dr. Hassan Kabus)
(The image shows the entrance to the Sidi Ben Abdallah Mohamed Cultural Museum in Essaouira)
(Picture taken during the conference)
(In the image, part of the MEETING ESSAOUIRA team)
DAR SUOIRI hosts the 3rd Day of Lectures:
INTERCULTURAL DIVERSITY IN POPULAR MYSTICISM – THE GNAWA EXAMPLE.
Anthropologist ABDELLAH JALIL, PhD, explained in his lecture how Essaouira is a symbol of tolerance and coexistence culture – an extraordinary city with an atmosphere of understanding and respect towards diversity of faiths.
He introduces a cultural research on a popular phenomenon, like Gnawa is. Its musical artistic expression is the result of the process starting with the diaspora of several ethnic groups with different faiths and ending with their cultural integration and religious syncretism within a foreign way of life, in which they were forced to integrate. Gnawa art gives a voice to a historical and emotional process. It expresses its deepest feelings (pain, fear, anxiety, joy, faith, etc.), resulting in a popular artistic way that calls for trance.
GNAWA INFLUENCE IN ART IN ESSAOUIRA
Writer ABDERRAZZAK MESBAHI provides a general view of the influence of Gnawa tradition in Essaouira's poetry, sculpture, painting and theatre arts. The Gnawa phenomenon is clearly present in the artistic culture of the city. The boost provided by the Gnawa Festival is worth pointing out. It is held annually in Essaouira and is an informational tool that opens a window for the world to get to know this rich tradition. This creates a chain reaction of artistic creative movements influenced by Gnawa culture all over the world.
(The image shows the panel of cultural programming in Dar Suoiri)
​
(in the picture, from left to right, Abderrazzak Mesbahi, Dr. Abdellah Jalil, Ahmed Boumaiz, Prof. Prof. Aimad Redouane)
(In the image, team photo MEETING ESSAOUIRA, closing the academic days)
We attended a round table with discussion and debate. Most of the people there talked about the meaning of Sufi tradition, its relationship with religious coexistence, and how its practices positively influence several areas – such as ecology, philosophy, civility, etc. The etymological diversity of the Zaouiat was also discussed, as, depending on the branch the belong to, they can be named in different ways, with their origin implicit in those names. The attending students introduced some proposals for including Sufi tradition in areas such as tourism, civility and ecology. Some other participants stated that knowing these traditions means in practice a positive change in human behaviour.
Part of the event program was giving a diploma to the spiritual leaders, artists and scholars participating in MEETING ESSAOUIRA, recognizing their collaboration, knowledge, and generosity.
​
​
(Carolina Grandela and Brahim Sedram with Sheikh Hicham from Zaouia Qaderiyya)
​
(Carolina Grandela and Dr. Abdellah Jalil)
​​
(In the picture diploma delivery after the visit to the Tiyaniyya Zaouia, and participation in his ritual of Sama ')
​
(In the image from left to right, Brahim Sedram, Sheikh Marina, Carolina Grandela, after the interview carried out on the trajectory and artistic work divulgativa, seal of national distinction the Zaouia as emblem of mystical practice of Islami in Morocco, having weight Specific in society).
The most significant and important Zaouiat in Sufi Souri tradition invited us to take part in their rituals. We want to highlight the wonderful manners of Sheikh (Master) Hicham, head of Qaderiyya Zaouia. After a beautiful ritual consisting of litanies, praises, psalms and hymns, he related the history of his Zaouia and showed us the treasures within.
(The image captures an instant during the sama ritual 'in Zaouia Qaderiyya)
(In the image one of the tombs of the saints that houses Zaouia Qaderiyya)
(In the image, they show us these looms embroidered in gold thread, which were hung in the Kaaba, having only 2 in Morocco)
(In the image, ritual Hmadcha in Zaouia Hmadchiyya)
​
The visit to Hmadchiyya Zaouia and the participation in the Hmadcha trance ritual left a pleasant impression. Seated comfortably and in a peaceful state of ming, absent-mindedness is carried out for hours through spiritual connection to music, rhythm, singing and dancing. The power of group involvement in this rituals is not only contagious, but also moving. The subtle moments of sounds of lutar (stringed instrument of the family of the rabab) and nera (short hemp flute of the family of the nay) are combined harmoniously with human voice, and they grow stronger when adding spontaneous polyrhythmic clapping and tariya (smallsized) and resh (the biggest one) drums. This naturally produces a cyclical body movement in the participants – sometimes of the upper body when seated, other times in the full body when the ritual gains in strength gradually and they get up to dance. This induces an altered state of mind that generates a sensation of comfort, peace, calm and euphoric joy.
Unlike the sama’ of the Zaouiat, Hmadcha rituals are somewhere between the strong Gnawa rite and the beauty, subtlety and delicacy of melodic singing.
(Chosen image representing the Gnawa Regraga in Essaouira)
The Gnawa Regraga met in Essaouira on Thursday, April 3rd, for its annual journey to the various tombs of the saints they worship. Many Gnawa brotherhoods take part in this big pilgrimage. During its celebration and along its pace, rituals are carried out. They involve a big component of popular artistic expression, with characteristic instruments such as bagpipes, resh, tamboura, etc., and the participation of followers, both in parades and at Zaouia. It is pure folklore and spiritual tradition.
​
It is a live example of the celebration of the peculiarity born after the diaspora of religious and ethnic groups merging in Morocco. These traditions have such an artistic, cultural and historical richness, and they are guardians and preservers of spiritual beliefs.
​
We continue our work pleased to have experienced the spiritual artistic practice of the society of Essaouira. We will go on disclosing the diversity within Islam as a way of life in all its aspects – personal, social, spiritual, etc.
We encourage anyone wanting to take part in such an attractive and special immersion in MEETING ESSAOUIRA to contact us – that's what we are here for!
​
​
(We thank DESTINO MUNDO NGO, the collaboration in the translation of texts through its volunteers. Original text: Carolina Grandela and Aimad Redouane. Translation: Beatriz Iglesias)
