Moroccan Folk Poetry: Imagination and Cultural Narrative Malhun Poetry as an Example

Dr. Akh Al-Arab Abdul Rahim

Morocco

Incorporating elements of history, culture, politics, religion, and civilisation, Malhun poetry is an element of intangible cultural heritage.

It is a representation of social and cultural identity as well as individuals' behaviour that emerges from the collective unconscious.

The Moroccan Malhun poet tries to provide his own perspective on his history, knowledge, customs, and beliefs as a member of a society in which urbanisation, human knowledge, and social behaviour intersect.

Hopes, beliefs, and aspirations all find their way into the Moroccan Malhun poet's expanding creative realm. He brings to life long-repressed images, reveals the truth about the present, and looks ahead to the future.

He retraces the steps taken towards national independence, records the era of colonial authority, and displays people and communities in all their diversity.

All of these roles are performed by the poet through the writing of poems such as “Al-Harraz”, “Al-Qadi”, “Al-Dhayf” and “Al-Khasam”.

His multiple realms and destinations are depicted in “Al-Marhul”, “Al-Marusl”, and “Al-Warshan”, poems that he writes about his travels and journeys.

In addition to this, he explores themes related to women's beauty, such as “al-khilkhal” (anklet), “al-damlij” (bracelet), and “al-khatam” (ring).

Malhun poetry takes on a depth that extends beyond the personal to the social and communal, and from the local to the national and even the Arab world.