Third International Symposium on Mustafa Al-Azmouri (Estevanico) in New York strengthens Atlantic ties between Morocco and America

The College of Staten Island, of the City University of New York (CUNY), in partnership with the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York, will host the third edition of the International Symposium on the Moroccan explorer Mustafa Al-Azmouri, known as Estevanico, on Friday, February 21, 2025, under the theme: “Tracing the Footsteps of an Extraordinary African Explorer: The Atlantic Connection.”

This academic symposium continues an initiative aimed at highlighting Estevanico’s pivotal role in the exploration of the New World (America) during the 16th century. Following the first edition at CUNY in February 2024 and the second edition in Azemmour, Morocco, in August 2024, this third edition in New York seeks to deepen the understanding of the historical ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States. The event aligns with the Atlantic Initiative launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which aims to solidify strategic links between African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean and their counterparts on the other side, including the United States.

Mustafa Al-Azmouri embodies this historical connection, being the first Moroccan and African to cross the North American continent as part of an exploratory mission in 1527, reflecting the deep-rooted historical ties between the two shores. The symposium will explore his role as a cultural bridge between Africa and America and will seek to demystify the myths surrounding his persona by reassessing it through an academic lens based on verified historical documents and sources. Additionally, the event will highlight African influences in American culture, shedding light on the civilizational heritage that Estevanico carried and helped disseminate during his travels.

Within the context of the royal Atlantic Initiative, which seeks to enhance economic and cultural cooperation between Atlantic-bordering African nations, this symposium serves as an academic platform to foster mutual understanding and deepen research on Morocco’s historical role in linking continents. Estevanico represents the archetype of the Moroccan explorer, who, centuries ago, contributed to building bridges between Africa and the New World—an effort reaffirmed today through strategic projects strengthening cooperation between both Atlantic shores.
The symposium is organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in New York, City University of New York (CUNY), College of Staten Island, Royal Air Maroc, OCP Group, and The Students Government at CSI/CUNY—all in support of scientific research and cultural exchange between Morocco and the United States.

The event will be held on February 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the College of Staten Island’s Center for the Arts. The organizers invite researchers and enthusiasts of African-American cultural interactions to attend this unique opportunity to exchange knowledge about a historical figure who epitomizes Morocco’s deep influence in the Atlantic sphere.