Tahar Ben Jelloun warns of cultural loss as artisans disappear

Monday 08 June 2026 - 15:09

By: Dakir Madiha

Tahar Ben Jelloun warns of cultural loss as artisans disappear

Returning to Fès means reconnecting with a deeply personal source of memory, according to Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun. Speaking at the Forum of the Festival of Fès of World Sacred Music, he reflected on the role of memory, transmission and craftsmanship in shaping a living culture. Through personal recollections and broader cultural observations, he described Fès as a city where identity has long been built through inherited knowledge, social bonds and artistic creation.

Ben Jelloun recalled his childhood in Fès, particularly memories linked to his father’s spice shop. The scents of spices arriving from Africa and Asia became, in his words, a gateway to understanding the city’s character. He portrayed Fès as a close-knit community where solidarity and daily interactions created a strong sense of belonging that extended across social classes.

The writer emphasized the central place of artisans in the historic medina. Traditional trades such as tanning, metalworking, weaving and carpentry shaped entire neighborhoods, with each district associated with a specific craft. He argued that artisans should be viewed as artists because their work combines technical skill, creativity and aesthetic vision. According to Ben Jelloun, these crafts survive through practice and direct transmission from one generation to the next, much like learning a language.

He also described the challenges that traditional craftsmanship has faced with the spread of industrial products. Using the example of a potter from his own family, he explained how inexpensive manufactured goods gradually displaced handmade products. The growing use of plastic offered convenience and lower costs, but also contributed to the decline of centuries-old traditions and skills that once formed a core part of the city’s cultural life.

Despite these pressures, Ben Jelloun pointed to efforts that helped preserve Moroccan craftsmanship. He cited major national projects, including the construction of the Hassan II Mosque, which created opportunities for artisans to apply and transmit their expertise. Such initiatives, he said, helped protect crafts that were at risk of disappearing and supported a revival of traditional know-how.

Beyond craftsmanship, the author stressed the importance of values passed down through families and communities. Recalling lessons from his father, he argued that ethics, honesty and respect for others are as important as technical knowledge. He linked cultural continuity to discipline and dedication, maintaining that quality and rigorous work remain essential foundations of any enduring civilization.

Ben Jelloun concluded by reflecting on the influence of Fès on his literary work. He described the city as a constant presence in his writing, a place where memory, creativity and human experience intersect. For him, Fès remains a cultural matrix where craftsmanship, storytelling and collective memory continue to shape identity despite economic and technological change.