Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), participated in the 14th edition of “Zahria of Marrakech” – the Orange Blossom Distillation Season, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of the Kingdom of Morocco, in partnership with Al Muniya Marrakech Association for the Revival and Preservation of Morocco’s Heritage, in the presence of a distinguished group of intellectuals, writers, critics, and cultural actors.

The participation of ICESCO’s Deputy Director-General comes within the framework of the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. On Friday, 10 April 2026, he took part in the literary session dubbed “Majlis Al-Koutoubiyine” (the Assembly of Bookmen), which featured the presentation of his literary novel “Oulu Baqiya”, with contributions from a number of critics who offered readings of this literary work, as part of a broader cultural and intellectual program accompanying this heritage event.

During the session, Dr. Benarafa emphasized that “Zahria of Marrakech” holds particular importance as it is inscribed on ICESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that this gathering represents a living model of the care devoted to Morocco’s civilizational heritage, as well as ongoing efforts to safeguard and transmit it to future generations, in connection with its cultural, social, and environmental dimensions.

The program of the 14th edition, held from March 22 to April 12, 2026, includes a wide range of cultural, artistic, and scientific activities, such as live workshops on orange blossom distillation, seminars on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, artistic and musical performances, exhibitions of traditional products, and literary and intellectual forums.