In a world in constant motion, culture remains an anchor point-an essential space for reflection and expression where ideas, identities, and emotions intersect. Mozaïk, the Indian Ocean’s digital cultural magazine, was born from this very conviction. Through these pages, we have chosen to highlight those who make culture, in all its forms, accessible to everyone-vibrant and ever-evolving.
Before delving into the heart of Issue 21, it seems fitting to take a moment to look back. Over the course of the first 20 issues, the magazine has established its presence in more than 60 countries, with an average of 681 clicks per day. These figures not only reflect the growing interest of our readers, but also serve as a true source of motivation for the entire editorial team.
At a time when the world is shaken by conflicts of extreme violence, particularly in the Middle East, culture appears more than ever as both a refuge and a form of resistance. In the face of war, destruction, and human tragedy, it becomes essential not only to question but also to spread positive energy.
In this issue, we explore the many facets of contemporary creation, including music, visual arts, fashion, literature, and emerging trends. From South Africa to Turkey, from Germany to India-without forgetting Réunion Island and Madagascar-photography holds a prominent place in our pages.
We have many wonderful surprises in store for you, dear readers. In the section dedicated to urbex (urban exploration), numerous photographers responded to our call to highlight these abandoned places that endure despite the passage of time. Sara Starkström (Sweden), Jeroen Taal (Netherlands), as well as Christel Janowski, Olivier Cretin, Romain Veillon, and Nathan Hamonet (France), share their passionate perspectives on this discipline, at the crossroads of memory and heritage.
With the aim of offering a more enjoyable reading experience and a lighter magazine, we have chosen to separate the Urbex section from the main publication. Starting with this issue, it will now be released as a standalone special edition.
In the visual arts section, the spotlight is on emerging talents such as Miarina and Camille Rakotomalala, true gems of the Malagasy scene. Morocco is also well represented by painters Ahmed El Houari and Iman Echarif, who share their vision of the vibrant energy of the visual arts.
On the literary front, readers will discover a wealth of talent, including French author Céline Navarre and Franco-Tunisian writer Hella Feki. “Les Ombres des soirs,” a piece by Arthur Rimbaud, is reimagined here as a comic adaptation by Joan de Crane and Liva Rajaobelina.
Because understanding culture also means understanding our times, we extend our gratitude to our columnists for their continued loyalty. We would like to particularly mention Jean-Louis Cornille, Noro Rajaoson, Marie Juillet, Soraya Patel de Zorzi, and Cerveau Kotoson, whose work regularly appears in our pages.
French anthropologist Philippe Beaujard offers an in-depth reading of sorabe, this “great script” of southeastern Madagascar, revealing its rich historical and cultural significance. Based on his field research, he shows that this writing system results from a true blending of influences from Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Islamic world, shaped by ancient exchanges across the Indian Ocean. Combining Arabic, old Malagasy, and hybrid forms, sorabe emerges as a system of knowledge that is at once linguistic, spiritual, and political - long reserved for the Antemoro elites.
We hope this magazine will be a source of inspiration, a space for discovery, and above all, a place for sharing. Enjoy your reading!
- Joachin Michaël Rakotoarisoa