Es-Smara – Hicham El Abassi

As part of the festivities in Es-Smara Province celebrating the first anniversary of Unity Day, and with the support of the local ecosystem in the province, the Faculty of Sharia in Fes hosted a series of scientific and intellectual seminars this morning. Organized in cooperation with the “Lisan al-Din Ibn al-Khatib Foundation for Research and Cultural Cooperation – Fes.” the event took place under the theme: “Spiritual Ties Between Fes and Es-Smara.”

The meeting was attended by the Governor of Es-Semara Province, Mr. Brahim Boutoumilat, along with an accompanying delegation, as well as a number of deans, professors, and academic scholars from various faculties and universities across the Kingdom.

The seminar commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Opening proceedings began with an introductory speech by the Governor, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of this occasion. This was followed by orientation remarks from both the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Es-Semara and the Dean of the Faculty of Sharia in Fes, with all opening remarks agreeing on the central importance of national unity and the spiritual depth connecting the various regions of the Kingdom.

The first scientific session was chaired by Dr. Abdelmalek Aouich, Dean of the Faculty of Sharia in Fes, featuring a collection of valuable presentations examining the topic from diverse historical, academic, and jurisprudential angles:

● First Presentation: Delivered by Dr. Idriss Zaari El Mbaraki, Professor at the Faculty of Sharia, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes, titled “Al-Qarawiyyin University and the Scholars of the Sahara: Markers of Support and Extension.”

● Second Presentation: Given by Dr. Ibrahim Ben Abla, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Es-Smara, addressing “Doctrinal Communication Between Scientific Centers in Northern and Southern Morocco: Fez and Es-Smara as a Model.”

● Third Presentation: Presented by Dr. Abdelrazzak Ouis from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Es-Smara, on “Al-Qarawiyyin University and the Spiritual Communication of Sahara Scholars.”

● Fourth Presentation: Led by Dr. Mohamed Al-Oualso, Professor at the Faculty of Sharia in Fes, highlighting “Genealogical Lineages, Sufi Orders, and Zaouias Between Fes and the Inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara.”

The presentations were followed by extensive discussions and contributions that enriched the seminar’s themes, before concluding with a poetry segment that resonated with the audience, alongside the closing remarks from the steering committee. The seminar served as a pivotal platform to highlight the shared cultural heritage between Fes and Es-Smara, affirming that religious, academic, and spiritual bonds have historically remained foundational pillars for consolidating authentic Moroccan identity, strengthening national unity, and preserving the shared historical memory connecting Fes with the urban centers of the Moroccan Sahara.

At the conclusion of this academic and cultural event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants, alongside valuable gifts and books honoring the Governor of the Province and several key actors and researchers in the scientific, cultural, and political spheres, in an atmosphere marked by recognition and appreciation.