Morocco: Here is what the “Athakafia” channel is planning – Africa Links 24

Documentary programs, portraits of intellectuals…

Under the National Society of Radio and Television, the channel “Athakafia” presents its Ramadan schedule. A diverse programming that is both cognitive and theatrical.

Like other channels in the SNRT (National Society of Radio and Television) bouquet, Athakafia has unveiled its 2024 Ramadan schedule. On this occasion, it offers a cognitive schedule imbued with spirituality through the broadcast of over 100 new episodes produced by them. Moreover, during the sacred month, it will air 8 plays in addition to cultural interviews, shows dedicated to Sufi music, portraits of intellectuals, and diverse cultural programs.

The secrets of zellige from Tétouan and Marrakech
The channel offers the documentary program “Wataiquiyat Ramadan.” It consists of four episodes, each of which will be broadcast every Thursday evening. The first takes viewers to Essaouira to offer a different perspective on the “Barakat Mohamed.” This is the famous blessing inscribed in Kufic letters on the walls of the city on the orders of the city’s founder, Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdellah. The second episode will honor Arabic calligraphy by immersing viewers in the world of calligraphic artists capturing their creative inspiration in the world of Arab-Islamic art. As for the last episodes of “Wataiquiyat Ramadan,” they will examine the historical context of the White Dove as a millennial city that exudes authenticity. On the other hand, the bi-monthly program, “Atlas Maghrib,” will dedicate an episode to a captivating art form known as Moroccan zellige introduced in Morocco under the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century. All while highlighting the eminent work carried out by the mâalems. The second episode will delve into the historical context of the ochre city where architecture and heritage blend harmoniously, making Marrakech a unique city in the world. The occasion being the celebration of the ochre city as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2024.

Cultural interviews and exploration of manuscripts
For this Ramadan, “Cultural Interview” is added to the program schedule. This show features personalities from the world of art and literature to explore the many universes of culture and its various forms. Also, the program “Al Bahit” highlights Moroccan calligraphy by immersing viewers in the world of libraries and zaouias that contain works in Moroccan calligraphy and other treasures. These treasures consist of the Holy Quran and Hadiths of the Prophet, as well as traditional and religious poems. The second episode of this show is dedicated to the city of Marrakech. Literary publications are also featured. In this regard, the program “Book in Memory” reveals the books that have changed the life of a prominent public figure.

Special theatrical programming
As part of the “Theater Moves” project, initiated through a partnership between SNRT and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Department of Culture), the Athakafia channel will broadcast a selection of plays during the sacred month, such as “Chetara,” “Jouje Menhaja,” “Issmae Ya Abd Samie,” “La Smaha Lik Ya Lyam,” “Rasse Mhayen,” “Hawajesse,” and “Hemou Ounamir.” Beyond this schedule, the channel will continue to air flagship programs while adapting them for the sacred month. This includes “In the Madih’s Courtyard” which the channel has prepared for Ramadan. It explores musical genres inspired by Madih and Samaa art. Between Issawa, Messmoudi, and Jilaliyat Touhamiyat groups, the audience will surely find something to enjoy. This also applies to “Sira wa Massar,” “Matahif Al Maghrib” whose Ramadan episodes will be dedicated to the interpretation center of Casablanca’s heritage, to the Jemaa El Fna Museum, to the Museum of Sira Annabaouia, and to the “Dar Al Ala” Museum. Additionally, the programs “Assmae Fi Dakira,” “Roueya,” “Maa Taroub,” “Ecologica,” “Linikach,” “Zamane Thakafa,” “Marrou min houna” will continue to enliven the schedule even during Ramadan on the channel, which will also broadcast a special on the cultural and artistic dynamics in Sharjah, focusing on the 25th “Festival of Islamic Arts” in Sharjah, UAE.