In the vibrant setting of the 2025 Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, the literary community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Abdessalam Mesbah, a poet, translator, and cultural craftsman whose influence ran deep, even if his voice remained soft. More than just a tribute, the event was a moment of shared memory, emotion, and admiration for a man who devoted his life to the written word with quiet dignity and unwavering dedication.

Writer Ahmed Bennemouin began the tribute by revisiting memories from their childhood together in Chefchaouen. “He never spoke about himself,” Bennemouin said, “he always spoke about poetry.” He also recalled Mesbah’s calm and generous nature: “I never once saw him act out of resentment toward me or anyone else.” Mesbah’s deep connection to his roots was evident throughout his life. He remained in love with the cities of Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Casablanca, each of which shaped his cultural identity in different ways.

Renowned Moroccan critic Najib El-Ouafi shared his own reflections, noting that he had known Mesbah since their time at the Faculty of Qadi Ayyad in Tetouan. “There was always a blend of openness and reserve in his personality,” he said. “His name matured slowly, like something cooked over a slow flame.” El-Ouafi remembered Mesbah as a man passionate about cultural gatherings and precise in his speech. “He was a hunter of words,” he said. “Even if he is absent from our daily lives, he remains vivid in our memory.”

Renowned Moroccan critic Najib El-Ouafi shared his own reflections, noting that he had known Mesbah since their time at the Faculty of Qadi Ayyad in Tetouan. “There was always a blend of openness and reserve in his personality,” he said. “His name matured slowly, like something cooked over a slow flame.” El-Ouafi remembered Mesbah as a man passionate about cultural gatherings and precise in his speech.

The remembrance to Abdessalam Mesbah was not just about remembering a literary figure; it was about honoring a life devoted to beauty, precision, and quiet passion. Though he may no longer walk among us, his words, translations, and spirit continue to echo in the minds and hearts of those who knew and admired him.