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Fez Celebrates 44 Years of UNESCO Heritage with Music at the World Sacred Music Festival
Fez – Yesterday, the historic Bab El Makina in Fez became the stage for a transcendent musical experience, marking the 44th anniversary of the city’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
This special event was part of the 28th edition of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, a gathering that unites artists and audiences in a shared celebration of spiritual and cultural heritage.
Under the guidance of renowned Moroccan maestro Mohammed Briouel, 44 virtuoso musicians specializing in Moroccan Andalusian music, known as “Al Ala”, joined forces with 44 Moussamiines (Sufi singers) from various Moroccan zaouias, led by Sheikh Ali Rebbahi.
Together, they embarked on a musical journey through the 11 “Noubas” and all the “Toubous” of “Al Ala,” enriched by the “Mayazines” and “Al Adrajs”, compositions originating from Moroccan zaouias that have expanded the “Al Ala” repertoire.
This collaboration culminated in a unique Sufi musical experience and presented a unique spiritual journey that resonated deeply with the audience.
The performance was further enhanced by the presence of 20 Foukaras, who accompanied the ensemble, adding rhythmic depth to the “Hadra”, a collective Sufi ritual.
The repertoire featured the profound words of great Sufi masters such as Omar Ibn al-Farid, Abu al-Hassan al-Shushtari, and Mohammed al-Harrak, whose poetry and philosophy have long inspired spiritual seekers.
This event was not merely a concert but a tribute to Fez’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
The city, with its centuries-old traditions and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has long been a center of learning and spiritual reflection. The 44th anniversary of its UNESCO designation is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating intangible cultural heritage.
The performance also put to the forefront the enduring legacy of Moroccan Andalusian music, a genre that blends Arab, Andalusian, and Amazigh influences, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Morocco.
By bringing together master musicians and Sufi singers, the event showcased the living tradition of “Al Ala” and its capacity to adapt and thrive in contemporary settings.
As the evening unfolded, the audience was enveloped in a soundscape that transcended time and space.
The intricate melodies of “Al Ala”, the soulful renditions of Sufi poetry, and the rhythmic accompaniment of the Foukaras created an atmosphere of profound spiritual connection.
The performance was a testament to the power of music to unite people across cultures and generations, while also fostering a shared sense of reverence and awe.
The 44th-anniversary celebration at the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music was more than a commemorative event; it was a living expression of the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
Through such initiatives, Fez continues to serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural dialogue, inviting the world to experience the depth and beauty of its traditions.
As the festival continues, it remains a testament to the enduring power of music and spirituality to bridge divides and foster a deeper understanding of our shared human heritage.
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