'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning
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'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

'Unexpired Dreams'…Quiet Writing that Celebrates Meaning

A new book entitled "Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" by Moroccan author and journalist Abdul Aziz Kokas includes a number of articles of political-journalistic analysis in the form of opinion pieces. Most of these articles were published as editorials in weekly publications.

"Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" has been released by "Al Nawras Publications."

Kokas has dedicated it to his readers with whom he shared "the dream". In the first chapter of his new book, the author writes: "I was meant to write in the cursed newspapers instead of the blessed ones. These writings reflect this direction, which has never been a choice, but a moral journalistic commitment that embraces the dreams of an ambitious, motivated generation seeking freedom, justice, and democracy".

Kokas spoke about a "thread of organized positions and causes that preoccupy the public," stressing that publishing these articles today is not a heroic move that seeks praise".

Speaking about the book, Mohammad al-Sassy, a politician and researcher, said: "Kokas is a creative writer, not just a journalist. He has practiced journalism with a creative style. He is a good writer, smart journalist, funny, wise, enlightened, good listener, politically educated, always present in his writings and analyses that provid a great reference for politicians who want to understand the proceedings of the political life".

"When you read Kokas's writings, you notice a mix of creativity and critical observation of news, and fact analysis", al-Sassy said.

For his part, Writer Abdul Kader al-Shawi said: "Kokas doesn't rush events, but observes and analyzes them. His book is characterized with a quiet writing style that celebrates the meaning more than the appearance, and the content more than positions and conditions".

Critic Zahra al-A'sly saw that "Kokas has always been ornery. His journalistic writings have always reached a critical level because he has insisted on defending the values of freedom and democracy. His writings provide a mix of pleasure and utility".

"Unexpired Dreams…Describing Us" includes 50 articles and many titles to which Kokas added many popular proverbs, and quotes of politicians, authors, and intellects.

In one of his articles about the Moroccan people, he used a quote by William Shakespeare: "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once".

He also used another quote by Mahmoud Darwish: "If we want to. We will become a people, if we want to, when we learn that we are not angels, and that evil is not the prerogative of others. We will become a people when we respect the right, and the wrong!"

According to Kokas, the texts featured in his new book were written between 1996 and 2002, and will be released in successive parts. The author said he didn't select them based on their chronology or topics, but chose what is still applicable among them, so the reader feels like "they were written today".

In an article entitled "Paper cats", Kokas connects the analysis to an unexpired dream, and writes: "We miss this decisive moment that needs noble statesmen. We miss the strategic spirit of Abdul Rahim Bou Abid, and the Sufi spirit of A'lal al-Fassi, the impulsiveness of Mahdi Bin Baraka, and the national spirit of al-Yusufi. With those names, we felt that politics is a mass identity. Those and many others like them prioritized the future and interests of Morocco far from the greediness of political groups. They headed parties and acted like statesmen with independent ideas, and a wise anticipative vision."



Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
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Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh visited the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 6 to 16, where the Kingdom is serving as the Guest of Honor.

He commended the efforts of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in showcasing the rich diversity of the Saudi cultural and literary scene. The pavilion features exhibitions of manuscripts, a Saudi fashion corner, and archaeological replicas, SPA reported.

The minister reviewed the commission's Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi literature comics.

This participation at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair showcases Saudi creativity and fosters cultural dialogue, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge exchange and cultural leadership.


Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Syria underlined the strength of their cultural relationship during high-level meetings held in Damascus on Thursday, on the sidelines of the opening of the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, where the Kingdom is participating as guest of honor.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan at the Conference Palace in the capital.

Earlier the same day, Prince Badr met with his Syrian counterpart, Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh, during an official visit to attend the fair. T

he Saudi minister congratulated Syria on hosting the exhibition and expressed his wishes for continued prosperity, progress, and stability for the Syrian government and people.

Both meetings highlighted the depth of cultural relations between the two countries, the importance of expanding joint cultural cooperation across various fields, and the alignment of positions on issues of mutual interest in a way that serves both nations.

The Saudi delegation included senior officials and advisers, among them representatives from the Royal Court, the Ministry of Culture, and the King Abdulaziz Public Library, reflecting broad institutional engagement in the visit.

In the evening, Prince Badr attended the opening ceremony of the fair’s special session, held under the patronage and in the presence of al-Sharaa. The event drew wide official and cultural participation, including Arab ministers, political and intellectual figures, and a distinguished group of writers and cultural figures.

In a post on the X platform, Prince Badr thanked “our brothers in Syria for their generous hospitality and their efforts in organizing the Damascus International Book Fair.”

The minister also inaugurated the Kingdom’s pavilion at the fair in the presence of the Syrian minister of culture and the Qatari minister of culture.

Saudi Arabia’s guest-of-honor participation continues until Feb. 16 and reflects its growing prominence and leadership in the Arab and global cultural landscape.

This participation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture at the heart of national development, viewing it as a space for dialogue, a bridge for civilizational communication, and a tool for strengthening ties among Arab peoples.

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is leading the Kingdom’s participation, highlighting the development of the cultural sector and reaffirming the central role of books as carriers of knowledge and awareness.

The Saudi pavilion boasts a comprehensive cultural program featuring intellectual seminars, poetry evenings, a manuscript exhibition, traditional Saudi fashion displays, hospitality corners, archaeological replicas, and performing arts that express the depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

On the sidelines of the visit, Prince Badr, accompanied by Minister Saleh, toured the National Museum of Damascus, which houses rare artifacts spanning prehistoric eras, ancient Syrian civilizations, classical and Islamic periods, as well as traditional and modern art.


UNESCO Honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as Thousands Flock to Al-Ahsa Festival

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
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UNESCO Honors Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi as Thousands Flock to Al-Ahsa Festival

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA
Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige - SPA

The third edition of Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi Festival is drawing thousands of regional and international visitors to Ibrahim Palace in historic Al-Hofuf.

Organized by the Heritage Commission, this year’s festival celebrates the inscription of the Bisht on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The event showcases Al-Ahsa’s centuries-old tradition of hand-weaving and gold embroidery, a craft passed down through generations of local families, SPA reported.

Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in live workshops, and witness the meticulous process of tailoring this iconic symbol of prestige.

With UNESCO's participation and representatives from six countries, the festival has evolved into a global platform for cultural dialogue, cementing the Bisht’s status as a world-class cultural treasure.