The 14th Edition of the Seven Gates Forum Celebrates Mediterranean Cultures

Tetouan – The 14th edition of the “Tetouan of the Seven Gates” Forum opened Tuesday evening under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, with a diverse program that showcases the city of the White Dove to Mediterranean cultures.

During the opening ceremony of this edition, organized by the Tetouan Asmir Association, tributes were paid to two prominent figures in the academic and artistic spheres: Jamal Eddine Benhayoun, Dean of the Faculty of Letters of Tetouan, and the artist Bouzid Bouabid.

Two institutions that have profoundly shaped the city’s artistic and cultural history were also honored: the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) and the Daoudia Library.

This edition highlights Tetouan’s contributions to the enrichment of Mediterranean cultures through three major intellectual conferences dedicated to the themes “Tetouan, Living Heritage of Mediterranean History,” “Tetouan, City of Mediterranean Cultural Melting Pot,” and “Tetouan, Essential Reference for the Development of Mediterranean Arts.”

Speaking at the event, the Governor of the Tetouan Province, Abderzak El Manssouri, emphasized the city’s sustained cultural dynamism, thanks to the commitment and mobilization of all components of the local ecosystem.

This dynamism has enabled Tetouan to be designated the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026, a new international recognition that confirms the city’s cultural leadership in the Mediterranean basin as a strategic and dynamic space for dialogue and encounter, he stressed.

Addressing the economic impact of this momentum, Mr. El Mansouri noted the significant resurgence of cultural tourism and the increase in the number of visitors from various countries.

He emphasized that this continued positive trend is the result of the King’s High Patronage, which has notably materialized in the implementation of major infrastructure projects launched under royal impetus, as well as in the promotion of the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage and unique assets of the city of Tetouan.

For his part, the President of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Bouchta El Moumni, affirmed that Tetouan, with its rich historical, artistic, and architectural heritage, as well as the values ​​of tolerance, coexistence, and openness it embodies, has always been a model city that makes diversity a source of enrichment, dialogue a means of reconciliation, and culture a bridge to human understanding.

He added that the theme of this edition is not simply a slogan for a cultural event, but rather reflects a civilizational vision and a collective ambition to consolidate the city’s position as a space for creation, communication, and cultural interaction among the peoples of the Mediterranean.

The university president also emphasized that the selection of Tetouan as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the university and various cultural and scientific institutions, as well as to expand partnerships with the Mediterranean academic community, in service of scientific research, the promotion of heritage, and the opening of new perspectives for younger generations.

For his part, Ahmed Hajjaj, a member of the board of the Tetouan Asmir association, indicated that this edition of the “Tetouan, the Seven Gates” Forum is an opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich cultural, artistic, historical, and civilizational heritage, on the occasion of its designation, alongside the Italian city of Matera, as a Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026.

He explained in a statement that the forum, through three scientific sessions, highlights the specific characteristics that distinguish the city in the fields of art, culture, history, and crafts—all essential components that have contributed to strengthening its cultural and civilizational influence and consolidating its place in the Mediterranean region.

Mr. Hajjaj also announced that the program for this edition, which runs until November 13, includes several parallel cultural, artistic and sporting activities, including an exhibition dedicated to the Moroccan caftan from Tetouan and a chess tournament for different age groups, from the youngest to adults.