Unmasking Algeria's Brazen Cultural Appropriation: Moroccan Zellige Under Siege

Monday 22 April 2024 - 14:15

Cultural appropriation is not new, but Algeria's recent attempts to claim Morocco's rich heritage, specifically the iconic zellige, intricate mosaic tilework synonymous with Moroccan culture, have sparked outrage and ignited a fierce debate over cultural identity and heritage preservation.

For years, Algeria has been accused of similar acts of appropriation, often politicizing sports and covertly co-opting Morocco's cultural treasures. However, Algeria's latest move to include "Algerian zellige" in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has crossed a line, igniting a storm of controversy.

According to Algerian media reports, the country's Ministry of Culture is preparing a detailed proposal to submit to UNESCO, an initiative that has drawn vehement opposition from Morocco and its citizens. This move follows a series of events undermining Morocco's heritage, such as a 2022 exhibition in Oran, where the governor audaciously declared zellige as an Algerian cultural inheritance, asserting, "It is our heritage, and we will not give it up."

The exhibition organizers even went so far as to assert Algeria's right to use zellige patterns on national team jerseys, blankets, and even building facades, defiantly claiming, "No one has the right to dispute it." This overt dismissal of Morocco's cultural ownership has fueled outrage and prompted calls for the Moroccan government to take action to protect its traditions from such brazen cultural appropriation.

In response, Morocco's Ministry of Culture moved swiftly to officially patent the zellige of Fez with the World Intellectual Property Organization. The ministry underscored the art form's centuries-old roots, explaining, "The zellige industry dates back to the 10th century AD, flourishing during the Marinid era [13th to 15th century] in the honorable Kingdom before moving to neighboring tribes in later centuries."

Despite this setback, Algeria has continued its campaign to appropriate Moroccan culture, setting its sights on another iconic Moroccan symbol: the caftan. In a controversial application last year, Algeria attempted to include Moroccan caftans in its UNESCO file, seeking to add these famous traditional dresses to its claimed cultural heritage. This bold move was further exacerbated by the inclusion of photographs of Moroccan caftans, specifically the "ntaa caftan," a hallmark of Moroccan fashion originating from the historic city of Fez.

As the cultural battle escalates, Morocco finds itself at the forefront of defending its rich heritage from relentless appropriation. Each brazen act by Algeria underscores a growing disregard for cultural boundaries and intellectual property rights, paving the way for an intense international confrontation over the protection of cultural identities and the sanctity of traditions.