Ahmed Bahnin: A Poet Guarding the Memory of "Lghan"

Ahmed Mahmoud Bahnin, affectionately known as the "Poet of Youth," stands as a prominent voice dedicated to safeguarding and enriching the Hassani poetry tradition, referred to as "Lghan" within the Bidhan culture. In environments where the spoken word retains its power, poets like Bahnin emerge gradually, nurtured by community gatherings, storytellers, and the rhythms of daily life.

“

In environments where the word still retains its authority, the poet is not born all at once, but is formed slowly, between evening gatherings, the talk of storytellers, the recitation of the Quran, and the rhythm of daily life.

Born in 1972 in the village of Aouinet Ousseik, in the Assa-Zag province, Bahnin was raised in a household steeped in religious scholarship. Under the guidance of his father, the late الفقيه (Faqih) Mohammed Ould Moulay Omar, he began his education, memorizing the Quran and absorbing the values of knowledge, language, and the significance of words. This early religious and linguistic grounding provided a solid foundation for his cultural and spiritual development.

Bahnin's journey into poetry began through radio, where he avidly followed the "Popular Literature" program. He later transitioned from listener to participant in informal gatherings, which served as open forums for poets to exchange verses and refine their literary taste. It was here that his understanding of poetry evolved beyond mere rhythmic speech to encompass life experience, linguistic mastery, and authentic expression.

“

He was born in 1972 in the village of Aouinet Ousseik, in the Assa-Zag province, and grew up in a house where knowledge and jurisprudence were passed down from generation to generation.

He was influenced by renowned Bidhan poets such as Al-Kafiya Ould Bousseif and Ould Al-Gassri, but rather than imitation, this influence spurred him to forge his own distinct poetic identity. His work is characterized by rich vocabulary, vivid imagery, and structured composition. Bahnin writes from within the desert environment, infusing his poetry with themes of chivalry, loyalty, and longing, alongside the symbolic and rich vocabulary of nomadic life, while maintaining a universal human appeal.

“

He followed with passion the program "Popular Literature" presented by the media personality Mohammed Ma'rouf Al-Rassafi, before moving from the position of listener to the spaces of oral transmission, where the evening councils were like open universities.

Throughout his literary career, Bahnin has participated in numerous cultural events and poetry festivals, receiving awards and recognition for his contributions to Hassani poetry. His first collection, "Mdrrg Faghna Al-Sano Matrarg," marks a significant milestone, showcasing his mature poetic experience and his ability to skillfully employ the "Lghan" language in evocative ways.

“

His poetry is characterized by the richness of the wording, the precision of the image, and the mastery of the structure, with a remarkable ability to capture small details and transform them into poetic scenes brimming with life.