Ben Youssef Medersa

Ben Youssef Medersa

The city of Marrakech offers brilliant color, exotic smells and flavors, and an inimitable environment that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. A visit to the old fortified city is like stepping back in time, and many of the ancient buildings have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.



One of the most amazing places in the city is Ben Youssef Medersa. This stunning ancient structure near the heart of the Medina is an Islamic school attached to the Men Youssef Mosque. It was once the largest Koranic school in all of North Africa, with up to 900 students enrolled at one time. Each student enrolled in the school would memorize the Koran by rote by the time they completed their studies.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is home to some of the most stunning art and architecture in the city. The school itself was founded by the Merenid Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century; however, the current structure was rebuilt in the 16th century by Sultan Abdullah el Ghallib.

Similar to the Saadian tombs, the Ben Youssef Medersa is a prime example of Saadian design. Every surface, from the rose colored walls to the towering columns, are covered in the intricate decorations of the time period. The tile work throughout the structure is vibrant and stunning. The stucco molding features elaborate carvings of traditional Islamic calligraphy.

There are 130 dormitory cells (where students once resided), surrounding a peaceful courtyard filled with elaborate carvings in marble, cedar and stucco. It may be interesting to note that in all the carvings and painting throughout the Ben Youssef Medersa, there are no depictions of humans or animals. The school was built according to Islamic standards, thus the carvings and tile work consist entirely of calligraphic inscriptions and geometric shapes and patterns.

The Arabic inscriptions throughout the building are truly beautiful. They are carved into the stucco and picked out in zellij tiles. The most common inscription is the bismillah prayer “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.”

Make sure to visit the prayer hall toward the back of the building for especially elaborate examples of this décor. The full interior of the prayer hall is decorated with a pine cone and palm motif.

When you visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, you can join a tour with one of the many on-site guides. Most visitors recommend striking out and exploring on your own. This will allow you to go at your own pace as you take in the sights and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Ben Youssef Medersa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is an admission fee, however, it’s very affordable at only $5 or $6 per person.

This the perfect place to come with friends and family to get to know a little bit more about one of the most important religions in the history of the world, along with a truly magnificent temple while exploring Morocco.



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Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

Visit the Berber Museum at Majorelle Garden

 
Located in the heart of Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is an oasis in a busy city, and one of its most popular attractions. In addition to enjoying the beauty and tranquility of nature, visitors can learn some fascinating facts about the Berbers of Morocco when visiting the Majorelle Garden at the museum which displays the personal collection of Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who until recently were the patrons of the garden created by French artist Jaques Majorelle (1886-1962).

Pierre Bergé was long fascinated by the rich culture and art of the Berber people and identified with their need to have their culture, including their language, acknowledged and preserved. The new Moroccan Constitution which was adopted in July 2011, officially recognized and formalized the Amazigh language of the Berber people, reconfirming the thoughts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in a speech in Mar 2011 where he state that the plurality of the Moroccan identity is united and enriched by its diversity, which includes the Amazigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans.

Imazighen, or Berbers, form the foundation of indigenous North African people, with their origin believed to stretch back more than 9,000 years. They are unified by their language and culture which they have maintained over the centuries, despite some tumultuous times. The culture has a sense of community, a strong bond to the earth and a deep relationship with the sacred. The recognition afforded it by the new Constitution of Morocco will help ensure the Berber culture is preserved into the future.

Jacques Majorelle beautifully captured the emotions, colors and spirit of the Berber culture in his artworks, many of which are displayed at the Berber Museum. Other items on display include traditional handcrafted items in leather, pottery, basketry and woodworking. Decorative geometric patterns are very evident in household and decorative items, as well as those used in rituals. Ornaments and jewelry on display include intricately crafted headdresses, brooches, necklaces and earrings. Materials and techniques used in creating jewelry are varied, with filigree, engraving, carving, enamel-work and molding producing unique items. Depending on the region and local availability, jewelry incorporates silver, coral, amber and amazonite.

A section of the museum is devoted to displaying traditional clothing worn at various festive occasions such as weddings and moussems. While certain aspects are uniform, and therefore readily identified with the Berber culture, there is room for great diversity, with jewelry and accessories reflecting personal tastes. Certainly, a visit to the Berber Museum at the Majorelle Garden will provide much insight into this fascinating and ancient culture.



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Language & Cultural Immersion Program in Marrakech

Language & Cultural Immersion Program in Marrakech


Spend your Holiday in Marrakech and take part in cultural significant activities. Learn Arabic in Marrakesh, enjoy your Arabic learning vacation in this “Red City” or “Al Hamra," is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s second-largest city its beauty lies in its atmosphere and its Spectacular location, with the extraordinary peaks of the Atlas Mountains rising up behind the city. You will take part in courses which will give you the opportunity to learn common phrases in the Arabic language, visit museums and historical sites. This program enables you to get a real inside view on the Moroccan culture.

Participants will receive cultural exposure each week to include the introductory Arabic instruction. A strong emphasis on culture is desired with guided tours and interaction with people of Morocco . The majority of the time is requested to be spent in culturally significant activities. Examples: museums, historical sites, unique topographical features impacting the culture, significant social, ethnic and /or religious focal points, …

We offer short or long term language courses and total cultural immersion in Morocco. Studying in Morocco, in the country a language is spoken is the most effective way to learn Arabic language. Enjoy year round Arabic language program for "Adults", junior summer language camps & programs for "Teenagers" and affordable credit-bearing opportunities.



   



Our Marrakesh location offers both Classical and Moroccan Arabic year-round. Our brand new building provides comfortable classrooms, a computer lab with free internet access as well as the opportunity for interaction with local Moroccans who study English.

Students can choose between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Colloquial Moroccan Arabic (CMA). Our program caters to all language levels. The standard program is three hours a day/15 hours per week. For more intensive hours, please contact us. All of our instructors are university degreed in the teaching of MSA and CMA Arabic.


The institute offer language exchange opportunities wile interacting with young Moroccans who study English.


Modern Standard Arabic:                                                        

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) : Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the written language of Arabic. In its classical form it is the language of the Holy Koran. In its everyday use it is the language of newspapers and is also widely heard on radio and television. MSA is a' used living' language used by educated people and intellectuals.

Our core curriculum is divided into nine levels. The first six levels' primary components are an intensive study of basic Arabic language grammatical structures, mastery of Arabic script and pronunciation. Throughout this programme emphasis is placed on developing the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading & writing), with added emphasis placed on communication through conversation classes.

The later three levels of our programme introduce students to more advanced aspects of Arabic, like translation, complex grammar structure, reading analysis, in addition to discussion and presentation courses that help students develop and refine their communicative proficiency.

Moroccan Colloquial Arabic:                                                    

This Arabic language course introduces the students to Moroccan Colloquial Arabic through activities emphasizing the functional aspect of the dialect. This course covers the basic grammatical structure of the dialect and aims to expand students' vocabulary and develop their oral skills through interaction with native speakers, film discussions, and other interactive activities. This Arabic course can be more immersed in the rich Moroccan culture through proverb studies.

Spoken Arabic:                                                                          
Students not particularly interested in learning Moroccan dialect, yet wishing, however, to learn a more “relaxed” and communicative standard Arabic, could take, in addition to MSA group classes, private lessons in Spoken Arabic. Unlike MSA, which is spoken exclusively in formal situations (by radio and TV broadcasters, academic lecturers, religious preachers, etc.), Spoken Arabic could be used by any literate Arabic native speaker who cares about using the right language structure but maintains her/his local dialect characteristics. In this program, the system of levels is structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The textbook used for Spoken Arabic lessons, allows students to practice the standard language they learn in MSA classes, to use it for communication in daily life situations and to get used to listening and understanding the different Arab dialects and accents.

Group Classes:                                                                        
Our group classes are designed to provide instruction over any duration from one week to a complete academic year. Students can choose to start their classes any Monday throughout the year. Classes are held in small size groups five days a week, from Monday to Friday. Both our MSA and CMA courses consist of three levels of studies; each level is divided into three successive and progressive sublevels. Each sublevel is generally covered in three weeks. Students with prior knowledge of Arabic are expected to take an evaluation test in order to receive proper placement in the program.



Private Classes:                                                                      
Our private classes provide one-on-one language instruction to students at all levels of Arabic language proficiency. Students benefit from flexible course length and structure. They can choose their desired starting date, their preferred timetable and the number of hours they wish to study.



METHODS & MATERIAL

The students begin to understand and to speak the Arabic language as soon as possible accompanied by a solid learning method, with a grammatical base developed within a communicative context.

Our method is designed specially for foreign students and we emphasize communication by using much interaction. Covering all aspects of language learning (speaking, listening, writing and reading skills), our high-quality Arabic programs are specially designed for foreign students and are taught in English.

Our association offers the following facilities: video, satellite TV facilities, online Arabic cession per week…..  

The friendly environment will surely help expressing yourself.

TOURIST AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new classmates, experience cultural activities together and practice your new language skills in real life situations.

These are the first things that come to mind when speaking about free time. Participants will probably be interested to visit some local art galleries or museums, see the sights, get to know the local countryside/seaside, etc.
Being a student is a chance for you  to get to know the country "from the inside", and experience more than a normal tourist.

Every weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, a choice of excursions and socio-cultural activities is offered - all optional. Some people do everything, every weekend - others pick and choose based on what interests them

At the weekend many students can arrange to take excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions cost between ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation).



Students may choose from the accommodation options detailed below:

a Homestay with a Moroccan family

a hotel room, hostel bed

a private apartment

Students can also experience more than an option.



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MARRAKECH

MARRAKECH
The other Morocco

Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. The streets of the old and pink city have been too narrow to allow effective introduction of cars. And tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into good business.
The hordes of tourists that come here all through the year have still not managed to destroy the character. Actually, their high number contribute in a positive way to preserve things. The inhabitants are truly proud of their city's fame, and Moroccans all over the country never let down an opportunity to visiting.
The most worthwhile tourist traps are centred to a rather small zone, starting in the north with the suuqs, continuing through the town square of Jemaa l-Fna with its crowd of storytellers, musicians and the Koutoubia mosque which minaret is visible from practically anywhere in Marrakech.
Going beyond this, the Menara gardens, by young Marrakechians considered as the most romantic place in town, is high up on the list. But don't forget to visit one of the many examples of sights left by the many Europeans and Americans who fell so much in love with Marrakech that they constructed their palaces and gardens here.
Marrakech' reputation as a pot of hustlers is not undeserved, but few things happen here that can't be handled. If you show respect, and keep your things close to your body, and remain alert in a crowds, nothing bad will happen to you. Marrakech' old quarters has many poor people with few chances to find regular work. But in recent years, an effective tourist police has helped conditions considerably.
What is central in order to understand the position that Marrakech has, is that it never has been Arabic, always Berber. While Arabs and Berbers mingle in most parts of Morocco, Marrakech remains a bastion of Berber culture. It was its own centre in the struggle against the French earlier this century, and could have become a capital in a country away from Morocco if history had wanted it differently. Anyway, its position has been strong for such a long period, that it is from 'Marrakech' that 'Morocco' is derived.
Marrakech is situated close to the Atlas mountains, and on most days you can see blue mountains covered with snow over the rooftops. Marrakech has been a resort for many years, and comes with all the luxury those being able to pay for it, could demand. The setting of Marrakech is splendid, the city exceptionally beautiful, and the liveliness almost never ending. The city offers most sorts of activities, from pool swimming in hotels to excursions to the mountains, which in winter time involves skiing.
But Marrakech is also a place of questionable reputation. True or not true, the story goes that just 40 years ago, one out of every three woman was a prostitute, either full time or once in a while. Children were no exception in this, but the child prostitution scene described by Nobel price laureate Elias Canetti in his 1950's travelogue The Voices of Marrakech is fortunately gone.
Marrakech is a city of history, and all with a few days to pass here must see the beautiful, large mosque and madrasa of Ben Yussef inside the large suuq, that begins at the northern side of Jemaa l-Fna. For deeper understanding of Moroccan architecture, the Almoravid koubba, 20-30 metres south of the mosque of Ben Yussef. Palaces like El-Bahia, El-Badi and Dar Si Said were built to please the senses, while those who cannot get enough of gardens can still feel old greatness in Agdal garden.



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48 hours In: Marrakech

48 hours In: Marrakech


Temperatures in Marrakech are warming up, with highs of around 18°C. Next week the city hosts the Marrakech Biennale (February 29-March 4). A celebration of arts, literature and debate, it attracts both a local and an international line-up — this year's film panel is curated by Alan Yentob (marrakechbiennale.org).

Touch down

Marrakech's Menara airport is served by BA (tel: 0844 493 0787; ba.com) and BMI (tel: 0844 848 4888; flybmi.com) from Heathrow; easyJet (tel: 0843 104 5000; easyJet.com) and Thomson (tel: 0871 231 4787; flights.thomson. co.uk) from Gatwick and Manchester and Ryanair (tel: 0871 246 0000; ryanair. com) from Luton and Stansted.

The medina (the ancient walled city centre) is a 15-minute drive from the airport. There are two types of taxis: petit taxis and the larger grand taxis (usually old Mercedes). The former have meters but these are rarely used, so agree a price before you set off: between 70 dirham (£5.30) and 100 dirham (£7.50). Bus 19 departs from the airport every hour and costs 20 dirham (£1.50); it stops at several points in the centre including Djemaa el Fna and the Place du 16 Novembre.

Get your bearings

Known as the Rose City, owing to the deep pink hue of its medina walls, Marrakech is spectacularly bordered by the Atlas Mountains to the south and the Jbilets hills to the north. The Unesco-listed medina is the star attraction. A heady mosaic of alleyways, houses, souks and workshops, it is dominated by the towering Koutoubia Mosque. West of the medina is the Ville Nouvelle — laid out in the early 20th century during the French Protectorate. Most visitors will find themselves in its Hivernage and Guéliz neighbourhoods, which are home to hotels, shops and restaurants. The latter is also home to the tourist office at Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali/Avenue Mohammed V (tel: 00 212 524 43 61 31; marrakech. travel). It opens Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.

North-east of the city is the sprawling Palmeraie, dotted with over 100,000 palm trees planted by the Almoravids in the 12th century. These days, it is also home to lavish resorts and golf courses.

Check in

Winston Churchill loved to paint in the tranquil orange tree-dotted gardens of La Mamounia (tel: 00 212 524 388600; mamounia.com). Set just inside the medina, this Art Deco landmark is still one of its most glamorous addresses, thanks to a recent renovation at the hands of French designer Jacques Garcia. Doubles start at 6,050 dirham (£500), room only.

Riads are another highlight — there are hundreds of these courtyard houses in the medina. One of the most charming is Riad Madani (tel: 00 212 524 441884; riad-madani.com). Its antique scattered rooms start at €110 including breakfast; there's also a pool.

Set outside town with views of the mountains, the Beldi Country Club (tel: 00 212 524 383950; beldicountryclub.com) in Cherifia is a rustic-chic, rose-filled estate with a 27-room hotel built in the style of a small traditional Moroccan village. There are also two restaurants, a pool, spa and three boutiques selling the work of on-site artisans and stylish antiques. Doubles from €170, including breakfast.

Take a view

For many, the Djemaa el Fna, encapsulates all that is exotic about the city. From dawn until well after dusk, this central square buzzes with snake charmers, tooth pullers, magicians, henna artists and storytellers. A rite of passage for any visitor is the Café de France(tel: 00 212 524 442319), which also has one of the best vantage points of the square. Sip a mint tea (15 dirham/£1.10) and soak it all up.

Take a hike

Start in the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque. Its 77m-tall minaret is one of most impressive in the region. Cross Place Youssef Ben Tachfine and continue down the rue Sidi Mimoune. You will soon reach one of the medina's most impressive gates, the highly decorative Bab Agnaou. Nearby is the Kasbah Mosque, with its turquoise minaret. Behind a high wall next door are the Saadian Tombs. Open daily 8.30-11.45am, 2.30-5.30pm; 10 dirham (75p). The tombs of over 60 members of the Saadian dynasty are intricately decorated with zellige mosaics and carved alabaster and marble.

Outside, plunge into the tiny streets of the Kasbah quarter, until you arrive via the Bab Berrima at the impressive remains of the Palais El Badi. The erstwhile palace of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour, the remnants hint at its former splendour. Go back to the Place des Ferblantiers and continue along the rue Bahia Bab Mellah, which skirts the tightly packed lanes of the former Jewish ghetto.

You will soon arrive at the Palais Bahia. This late 19th-century palace is resplendent with stunning rooms, courtyards, fountains and verdant gardens. Turn up the rue Riad Ezitoune El Jadid, lined with 19th-century palaces, eventually bearing left until you arrive at Djemaa el Fna.

Lunch on the run

The Souk Quessabine is a tiny lane running off the northwestern corner of Djemaa el Fna. Here, a row of half a dozen stalls sell méchoui, lamb roasted in an underground clay pit. For about 20 dirham (£1.50) you can have a delicious sandwich (Jamie Oliver approved).

Window shopping

You will definitely get lost in the tangle of the souks, but that's all part of the fun of a shopping trip here. Start on rue El Mouassine and plunge into the sinuous alleyways that peel off it, crammed with stalls. Each souk is loosely grouped by what it sells: babouches (leather slippers), herbs, carpets, ironmongery, woodcarving and so on. The Souk des Teinturiers or dyers' souk offers good photo opportunities. They open until late at night, but lunchtimes tend to be quieter. If haggling fatigue sets in, seek out the anonymous door at 142-144 Bab Doukkala (tel: 00 212 524 38 52 40), the emporium of Mustapha Blaoui. Here you can sip mint tea and browse a succession of rooms housing lanterns, pottery, leather and more.

An aperitif

Built in 1925, the Grand Café de la Poste (tel: 00 212 524 43 30 38; grandcafe|delaposte.com) on the corner of Boulevard el-Mansour Eddahbi and Avenue Imam Malik is a former post office restored to its colonial splendour as a café. Order a glass of quaffable local Moroccan wine for 50 dirham (£3.75).

Dining with the locals

Al Fassia Aguedal, 9 bis route de l'Ourika (tel: 00 212 524 43 4060; alfassia. com), is known for its Fez-inspired cuisine — tagine, couscous and pigeon pastilla — made by female chefs. A three-course meal costs around 530 dirham (£40), with wine.

Out to brunch

Le Jardin, 32 souk El Jeld Sidi Abdelaziz (tel: 00 212 524 37 82 95; lejardin.ma) is a new addition to the souks, set in a 17th-century riad done out in a vaguely Sixties style. Sunday brunch (11am-3pm) costs 90 dirham (£6.75) — tuck into date and banana smoothie or orange juice, coffee, tea and Moroccan pancakes served with amlou (argan oil, honey and almond paste) that's a deluxe version of peanut butter.

Take a ride

It may be touristy, but a horse-drawn calèche is one of the best ways to tour inside the 11th-century city walls. They congregate around the edge of Djemaa el Fna near Bab el Jdid and there is now a fixed price of 150 dirham (£11.20) per hour. A circuit will take about two hours.

Cultural afternoon

Dating from the 16th century, the Ben Youssef Medersa (00 212 52 44 418 93; musee.ma) is one of the city's greatest Islamic monuments and used to be the largest university of theology in Maghreb. Inside, its rooms and arcades display striking zellige mosaics, delicately carved cedarwood screens and stucco, set around a courtyard. Admission (60 dirham/ £4.50) also includes entry to the adjacent Musée de Marrakech with exhibitions of ethnographic and Islamic objects. Both open daily, 9am-6.30pm.

A walk in the park

With its green displays of bamboo, cacti and myriad plant species and architecture painted in the cobalt hue known as Majorelle blue, the tranquil Jardin Majorelle, Avenue Yacoub El Mansour (tel: 00 212 5 24 31 30 47; jardinmajorelle.com) is a must-see. Begun in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden was later acquired by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Open daily 8am- 5.30pm; 40 dirham (£3).

The icing on the cake

A hammam is the ultimate steam bath and exfoliation. Les Bains de Marrakech, 2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou (tel: 00 212 524 381 428; lesbainsdemarrakech.com; daily 9am-8pm) fulfils all Arabian Nights fantasies; hammams from 150 dirham (£11.20). Or indulge at the opulent Royal Mansour hotel, rue Abou Abbas El Sebti (tel: 00 212 529 80 82 00; royalmansour.com) for 1,200 dirham (£90).



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Marrakech Biennale

Marrakech Biennale

an International Gathering of Performance, Screening and Debate for the Promotion of Contemporary Art and Culture

Marrakech will host the artistic and literary gathering of the 4th edition of the Marrakech Biennale under the theme “Surrender” from February 29 until March 4, with the main visual arts exhibitions running from February 29 until June 3.

The Marrakech Biennale offers the opportunity for international artists, authors, and film makers to exhibit their works, discuss and debate current issues, and exchange their experiences and thoughts at a larger scale with other artists and ordinary audiences as well.

The event is a celebration and a promotion of contemporary art in its various forms and a meeting point between artists in different fields and from different countries to cut cultural bridges and immerse in dialogue, discussions and debates.

The main visual arts exhibition will be held in Le Théatre Royale and in Al-Koutoubia tanks. It will bring together over 25 internationally acclaimed artists, architects, writers, musicians and composers who will exhibit their works. The exhibition is created in partnership with the local craftsmen of Marrakech to create an artistic dialogue between the artists and the specificities of the city.

Almost ten daily debates are planned under the supervision of Omar Berrada, Benedicte Clarkson and Elizabeth Sheinkman. The literary section will be held in the Riad El Fenn, a historic 17th century riad in the heart of the Marrakech medina, but also in several other places in town.

A series of lectures on art and its relationship with the city will also be held by many specialists, such as Aziz Daki (Workshop 21), Simon Njami (Revue Noire), WJT Mitchell (Art Professor, and editor of Critical Inquiry journal), and Rasha Salti (Art Critic).

To provide access to contemporary culture and art at a larger scale and for people of all ages, the 4th edition Biennale of Marrakech will include workshops for children organized by local and international stakeholders, in partnership with Zidzid Kids. In addition, students of the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech and l’ESAV (Ecole supérieure des arts visuels) will accompany the guest artists through an internship program.

The program of the 4th edition of Marrakech Biennale will be as follows:

Tuesday, February 29 :

2:30pm – 3:30pm : “Writing Advice” by Latifa Baqa, Ali Benmakhlouf, Geoff Dyer, Camille de Toledo and Omar Berrada (as the moderator).

Friday,March 2 :

10.30 – 12.30am : “5×15″ by Touria Binebine, Rian Malan, Ben Okri, Ouidad Tebaâ, Ruby Wax and Rosie Boycott (as the moderator).

2.30pm – 4pm : “Fathers and Sons” by Camille de Toledo, Driss Ksikès, Rabia Raihane and Juan Asis Palao (as the moderator).

4pm – 5.30pm : “Are You Modern ?” by Khadija Carroll La, Pankaj Mishra, Zahia Rahmani and Ali Benmakhlouf (as moderator).

Saturday, March 3 :

11;00 am-12.30 am : “Trahir-vrai” by Rian Malan, Zahia Rahmani and Driss Ksikès (as the moderator).

2.30pm – 4pm : “Writing in Images” by Geoff Dyer, Mario Pfeifer and Omar Berrada (as the moderator).

4pm – 5.30pm : “Moroccan Novels” by Latifa Baqa, Rabia Raihane, Abderrahim Elkhassar and Ayoub El Mouzaine (as the moderator).

Sunday, March 4 :

2:30pm – 4pm : “Worlds of Words” by Abderrahim Elkhassar, Ben Okri and Pankaj Mishra (as the moderator).

Edited by Ahmad Azizi



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MARRAKECH BIENNALE

MARRAKECH BIENNALE
Marrakech Biennale Exhibit information:

This past month, Marrakech hosted its 4th Biennale, a cultural exhibit which brought together visual artists, writers, film-makers and literature under the rubric ‘Free Thinking Surrender’. The festival included public screenings, talks, performances and debates at venues around the city. The main exhibition , Higher Atlas, took place in and around the abandoned Théâtre Royal (which we highlight in another blog). Here, many of the installations were architectural either in function or in their interaction with the various spaces of the theater.

Clockwise from top left, a bridge suspended by a red curtain divides the audience and the never-completed stage in an installation by Alex Schweder La and Khadija Carroll La and named ‘The Rise and Fall’; Jurgen Mayer H’s satellite dish made of perforated metal and concrete made with similar techniques to traditional Moroccan trays and tabletops; in a courtyard just outside the theater, visual artist Faouszi Laaris used traditional drinking glasses to create a piece that reflects the relationship between urban environments and daily used items; a bright yellow sculptural mat on the floor of the theater, created by Sinta Werner, was intended to be seating for the unused theater; and Barkow Leibinger Architects created the ‘Loom-Hyperbolic’ in an exterior courtyard. Their giant web creation received its inspiration from Moroccan weaving craft as well as Marrakech architecture.



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