MAHIR Center participants reflected on storytelling and its cultural impact

This week, MAHIR Center participants visited the workshop of Mr. Hassan Bourkia—writer, translator, and visual artist—for a discussion on literature and storytelling.

Surrounded by plants, books, and art, the group analyzed Susan Sontag's letter to Jorge Luis Borges, the joy of literature, and Borges’ reflections on One Thousand and One Nights. Mr. Bourkia discussed the text’s lasting value, its influence on Borges, and the parallels between Scheherazade’s storytelling and political power.

The conversation touched on themes of eternity, cultural openness, and creativity from adversity. Mr. Bourkia shared Borges’ view of literature as a dream-like escape and concluded with reflections on the power of stories and the importance of overcoming challenges to gain knowledge.