Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco

Richard Hamilton has tracked down the last few remaining storytellers of Morocco, preserving the mysteries and beauty of the Maghreb's ancient storytelling tradition. Marrakech is the heart and lifeblood of this tradition, but it is teetering on the brink of extinction due to competing distractions. Moroccan tales have a huge educational, religious, and moral impact on their audience, offering timeless values and guidance. We risk losing something of Morocco's national psyche and part of the world's tangible heritage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Marrakech, the vibrant and captivating city nestled in the heart of Morocco, holds a rich and ancient tradition of storytelling that has been passed down through generations. For nearly a thousand years, storytellers have gathered in the Jemaa el Fna, the legendary square of the city, to captivate audiences with their tales of folktales and fables. This unique chain of oral tradition, seamlessly woven through generations, is now teetering on the brink of extinction. The allure of television, movies, and the internet has drawn crowds away from the storytellers, leaving few who are willing to learn the stories and carry on their legacy.

Moroccan tales have a profound educational, religious, and moral impact on their listeners, offering timeless values and guidance that resonate across time. The loss of these storytellers would mean the loss of a significant part of Morocco's national psyche and a precious piece of the world's tangible heritage. Those who have had the privilege of witnessing the storytellers in Marrakech firsthand have experienced something truly extraordinary, a treasure as precious as the planet's most endangered species and of immeasurable importance to humanity.

The tradition of storytelling in Morocco is deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. It is a means of preserving the country's history, values, and traditions, and passing them on to future generations. The storytellers, known as "ghawas," are skilled in weaving intricate narratives, using vivid imagery and captivating storytelling techniques to transport their listeners to different worlds and times.

One of the most significant aspects of Moroccan storytelling is its educational value. The tales often contain moral lessons and teachings that are relevant to the lives of the listeners. They teach about the importance of respect, kindness, loyalty, and perseverance, values that are essential for personal and societal growth. The stories also provide a window into the country's rich cultural heritage, including its music, dance, and cuisine.

Moreover, storytelling is an important tool for religious and spiritual purposes in Morocco. The tales often contain references to the Quran, Hadith, and other religious texts, which provide guidance and inspiration to the listeners. They help to reinforce the teachings of Islam and promote a deeper understanding of the faith.

Despite the challenges facing the tradition of storytelling, there are efforts underway to preserve and promote it. Organizations such as the Association for the Protection of Traditional Arts and Culture in Morocco (APTAC) are working to raise awareness about the importance of storytelling and to support the storytellers. They organize workshops, training programs, and cultural events to encourage people to learn about and appreciate the art of storytelling.

In addition, there are efforts to digitize and preserve the oral tradition of Morocco. Researchers and scholars are working to record and transcribe the stories, making them accessible to a wider audience through digital platforms and libraries. This will help to ensure that the tradition is not lost to time and can continue to inspire and educate future generations.

In conclusion, the tradition of storytelling in Morocco is a treasure that is worth preserving and promoting. It is a means of preserving the country's cultural heritage, promoting education, and fostering religious and spiritual growth. The loss of these storytellers would mean the loss of a significant part of Morocco's national psyche and a precious piece of the world's tangible heritage. By supporting and promoting the tradition, we can ensure that it continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838600006