Moroccan Zellij: Culture Minister Holds Talks with Director of World Intellectual Property Organization

In a determined effort to safeguard its cultural heritage, Morocco is taking bold steps to protect the intricate art of zellige from perceived appropriation by its neighboring country, Algeria. This initiative comes amid growing tensions following Algeria's attempts to claim various elements of Moroccan cultural traditions as its own.

In a strategic move, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, met with Daren Tang, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in Geneva. Their discussions revolved around strengthening international collaboration and implementing legal measures to protect Morocco's cultural treasures, with zellige tilework being a focal point.

Bensaid highlighted Morocco's commitment to global partnerships, a vision spearheaded by King Mohammed VI. Under the king's guidance, Morocco has introduced programs like the Label Maroc for cultural excellence and overhauled legal frameworks to protect its heritage. Strengthening institutions like the Moroccan Office of Copyright and Related Rights remains a key part of ensuring robust protection for authors and their creations.

The meeting also addressed Morocco's advancements in intellectual property protection and its burgeoning video game industry. As the country seeks to establish an electronic gaming hub and host the upcoming Moroccan International Exhibition for Video Game Industry, it aims to leverage its talents in this arena to expand its global reach.

Tang commended Morocco's efforts in intellectual property protection and expressed hope for further collaboration. The meeting concluded with plans to sign a joint memorandum of understanding in July, coinciding with WIPO's general assemblies.

This diplomatic move comes as Algeria escalates its efforts to claim Morocco's cultural heritage, particularly zellige, a unique form of mosaic tilework deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition. According to local media reports, Algerian authorities are preparing a dossier to nominate "Algerian zellige" for inclusion in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which many perceive as part of a broader campaign to assert ownership over elements of Moroccan heritage.

These alleged appropriation attempts by Algeria are not isolated incidents. In 2022, Algeria faced criticism for presenting zellige as its own cultural heritage at an exhibition. The governor of Oran boldly asserted Algeria's right to incorporate zellige patterns into various cultural expressions, dismissing Morocco's objections.

The cultural appropriation debate intensified further when international sportswear brand Adidas released a jersey for the Algerian national team, claiming inspiration from Moroccan architectural designs. This sparked renewed calls from Moroccans for their government to take decisive action to protect their heritage and traditions.

In response, Morocco's Ministry of Culture took proactive measures by securing official patenting for Fez's zellige through WIPO. The ministry emphasized the historical significance of zellige in Moroccan culture, tracing its origins back to the Marinid era in the 13th to 15th centuries.

Algeria's appropriation efforts extended beyond zellige. In another controversial move, Algeria attempted to include the Moroccan caftan, a traditional garment, in its UNESCO submission, despite its clear association with Moroccan heritage. The dossier submitted by Algeria contained images of Moroccan caftans, notably featuring the "ntaa caftan" originating from Fez.

As Morocco navigates the complex landscape of cultural preservation, its recent diplomatic efforts with WIPO represent a firm stance against alleged appropriation and a commitment to protecting its rich cultural legacy for future generations.