5 essential acts to reclaim Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí on the 900th anniversary of his death

Discover lectures, an exhibition, a tour, and a concert that revive the figure of Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí, accompanied by a documentary and an anti-racist day.
L'alcaldessa de Tortosa, Mar Lleixà, amb el primer tinent d'alcaldia i regidor de Cultura, Jordi Jordan, i amb el músic Arturo Gaya, en la presentació del programa per commemorar els 900 anys de la mort d'Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí
The mayor of Tortosa, Mar Lleixà, with the first deputy mayor and councilor of Culture, Jordi Jordan, and the musician Arturo Gaya, at the presentation of the program to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the death of Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí Source: Provided by Tortosa City Council / Catalan News Agency

2026 marks 900 years since the death of Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí, one of the most relevant intellectuals born in Tortosa. The city has not missed the opportunity to pay tribute with a cultural program that highlights his figure.

The planned events combine history, art, and music to emphasize the importance of this figure in the local and Andalusian cultural and historical context.

Commemoration program for the 900 years of Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí

What does the programming include and why is it relevant to Tortosa?

The events not only remember the figure of Abu Bakr but also focus on the direct link with Tortosa, his hometown. This helps to better understand the influence of the environment on his work and thought, which is of particular interest to local residents and scholars.

The program kicks off on September 17 with a lecture by Joan Negre, an expert from the School of Arab Studies of Granada, who will shed light on Tortosa at the time of Abu Bakr.

How are art and history combined in the commemoration?

On September 18, an exhibition with illustrations by Ignasi Blanch is inaugurated, offering a visual and contemporary look at the Andalusian intellectual. This fusion of art and history makes the figure of Abu Bakr more accessible and attractive, especially for young and diverse audiences.

Central activities of the program: Route, concert, documentary, and anti-racist day

How is the memory of Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí reclaimed through the activities?

On September 19, the day that commemorates his death, Tortosa organizes a route through La Turtuxa, a tour of spaces linked to Abu Bakr, allowing a tangible and emotional connection with his life.

On the same day, a concert with Arturo Gaya and other artists complements the cultural offering, providing a sound experience that recalls the Andalusian era and atmosphere.

What role do the documentary and the anti-racist day have?

The documentary about Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí offers an in-depth view that contextualizes his trajectory and contributions. In parallel, the anti-racist day serves to claim values of respect and coexistence, very present in the legacy of the intellectual, and that remain a current necessity.

Date Activity Detail
September 17 Lecture Joan Negre talks about Tortosa in the time of Abu Bakr
September 18 Exhibition Illustrations by Ignasi Blanch about Abu Bakr al-Turtuxí
September 19 Route and concert Itinerary through La Turtuxa and concert by Arturo Gaya
Upcoming date Documentary and anti-racist day Audiovisual projects and social debate

Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency