The Arab Center for Geographic Literature – Irtiyad Al-Afaq has revealed the winners of the 23rd Ibn Battuta Award for Travel Literature for 2024–2025. Out of 12 winners from five Arab countries, seven Moroccans took home awards, showcasing the nation’s strong presence in the field of travel writing.
Named after the famous 14th-century Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, the award celebrates exceptional works in travel literature, including historical texts, diaries, and academic studies. This year’s results highlight Morocco’s deep-rooted literary tradition and its ongoing influence on the genre.
Moroccan Winners Across Categories
Edited Travel Texts
Three Moroccan scholars won in the Edited Travel Texts category for their work on historical manuscripts. Abdelhadi Kaddouri was recognized for editing Rihlat Al-Heshtouki, a pilgrimage narrative by Abu Al-Abbas Al-Jazouli Al-Tamalli Ahzi Al-Heshtouki. Houria Rifai earned an award for her work on Shifa Al-Gharam Fi Hajj Bayt Allah Al-Haram, a spiritual and geographic account of Hajj by Mohamed Al-Hajouji Al-Demnati. Mohamed Al-Andalusi won for editing Al-Rihla Al-Makkiya: France–Hijaz-Algeria, a travelogue by Ahmed bin Al-Ayashi Skirej that explores early 20th-century journeys between Europe and the Arab world.
Travel Diaries
In the Diaries category, Moroccan writer Mohamed Mohamed Khatabi won for his book Following in the Footsteps of Christopher Columbus. The book retraces Columbus’s voyages in South America, blending history with personal reflections on the region’s culture.
Travel Studies
Moroccan researchers also excelled in the Studies category. Abdelaziz Jadir explored Morocco’s transatlantic ties in The American Journey to Tangier Lands. Mohamed Al-Nidham analyzed cultural interactions in Moroccan Travelers and France During the Protectorate Era, focusing on colonial-era dynamics. Abderrahman Al-Tamara studied the emotional side of travel in Echo of Scenes: The Formation of Emotions in Contemporary Travel.
Morocco’s Role in Travel Literature
Nouri Al-Jarrah, director of the Arab Center for Geographic Literature, praised Morocco’s contributions. He said: “Moroccan scholars and editors are leaders in travel literature. Their work preserves our history and brings it to life for modern readers. This year’s awards reflect their dedication and talent.”
Morocco’s success in the awards highlights its cultural and intellectual influence in the Arab world. Its unique position as a bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East has inspired countless travel narratives, from ancient explorers to contemporary writers.
Global Reach and Publication
The winning works will be published through partnerships with leading institutions. Dar Al-Suwaidi (UAE) will release the texts in the Irtiyad Al-Afaq series for edited manuscripts and the Sindbad Al-Jadeed series for modern travel writing. The Arab Research and Publishing Institution in Beirut will handle academic studies. Dar Al-Mutawassit in Milan will translate and publish travel diaries and books, making them accessible to readers worldwide.
Celebrating Arab Literary Heritage
The Ibn Battuta Award not only honors individual achievements but also emphasizes the importance of travel literature in preserving culture and fostering dialogue. By reviving historical texts and exploring modern themes, this year’s winners have enriched the genre and ensured its relevance for future generations.
As the Arab world continues to engage with global dynamics, the stories and studies celebrated by the Ibn Battuta Award remind us of literature’s power to connect cultures, preserve history, and inspire exploration.