Paris, France – June 28, 2025 : As part of the prestigious Maghreb des Livres book fair held yesterday at the historic Hôtel de Ville de Paris, the literary café “Mediterranean in Poetry” brought together poets and lovers of literature in a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean voices.
Among the highlights of the evening was the powerful and graceful reading by Arwa Ben Dhia, whose evocative verses offered a lyrical journey across time, memory, and the spirit of the sea. Sharing the stage with a chorus of talented poets from across the region, she added her unique voice to an atmosphere rich with emotion, reflection, and cultural dialogue.
The audience was an intimate and appreciative gathering, including cherished friends and new faces alike. Arwa was especially moved by the presence of Hend Khedher and her friend Sarah, who made a special trip by taxi just to hear her read. Their presence symbolized the warmth and deep personal connections that poetry can cultivate.
The event was marked by spontaneous moments of joy, thoughtful conversation, and a shared sense of belonging rooted in poetry’s ability to transcend borders. In the golden halls of the Hôtel de Ville, the Mediterranean came alive not only in words, but in spirit.
As Arwa Ben Dhia expressed afterward,
“It was a moment of happiness and deep gratitude. Poetry brought us together—heart to heart, voice to voice.”
The literary café served as a beautiful reminder that in a world often divided, the shared language of poetry continues to unite.
