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Algeria accused of cultural appropriation over Morocco’s Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
Algeria has come under fire for featuring Morocco’s iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in a promotional video released by its Defense Ministry. The historic site, located in Morocco’s Ouarzazate province, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique earthen architecture and cultural significance.
The video, intended to showcase Algeria’s security and assets, sparked outrage in Morocco after viewers identified the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou among the footage. The site, renowned for its distinct architecture and historical importance, dates back to the 17th century and is a key tourist attraction in Morocco.
UNESCO describes the Ksar as “an eminent example of a ksar in southern Morocco,” highlighting its role in illustrating traditional earthen construction techniques in the Dra, Todgha, Dadès, and Souss valleys. Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, Ait Ben Haddou has drawn thousands of visitors annually and gained global recognition for its cultural and historical value.
Backlash and calls for accountability
The inclusion of the Moroccan landmark in Algeria’s promotional video has triggered widespread criticism and mockery from Moroccans on social media. Many users accused Algeria of cultural appropriation, with some urging for measures to hold Algeria accountable.
“Shameful! They showcased the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, located in Morocco, to promote their own country! Thieves in every area,” one user remarked online. Another called for action, suggesting, “Could someone with a verified X account add a Community Note to this post regarding the cultural appropriation of the Moroccan Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou?”
This incident is part of a broader trend, as Algeria has previously faced accusations of appropriating Moroccan cultural heritage.
Recurring disputes over cultural heritage
In 2022, Algeria stirred controversy by presenting zellige, Morocco’s iconic mosaic tilework, as part of its own cultural heritage during an exhibition. The country also attempted to claim the Moroccan caftan, a traditional garment, in a UNESCO submission.
In response, Morocco’s Ministry of Culture took swift action to safeguard its cultural heritage. The ministry secured an official patent for Fez’s zellige through the World Intellectual Property Organization, emphasizing the craft’s origins in Morocco, dating back to the 10th century.
The ministry stated that zellige flourished during the Marinid era in the 13th to 15th centuries and later spread to neighboring regions. This protective measure came amid Morocco’s significant archaeological discoveries, which have bolstered its standing in global archaeological research.
Strengthening heritage protection
To further protect its cultural legacy, Morocco’s Minister of Culture, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, announced earlier this year the implementation of Bill No. 33.22. This legislation is designed to safeguard the country’s national heritage against appropriation attempts.
Bensaid highlighted that Morocco’s recent archaeological and geological advancements have brought increased global attention to the country’s heritage, necessitating stricter regulations to preserve it.
As the debate surrounding cultural heritage intensifies, the incident involving the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou underscores the ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria, with cultural landmarks becoming the latest battleground in their longstanding rivalry.
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