Crisis in Clay and the Rise of Mechanization
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, dozens of traditional artisans from the zellige craft in the city of Fez initiated an open sit-in accompanied by a protest in the artisanal district of Benjlik. This action was taken in response to what they described as the inability of the state secretary responsible for traditional crafts and social and solidarity economy to find solutions for providing the necessary raw materials and to curb the encroachment of mechanization in the sector.
The artisans are demanding permission to operate a new quarry to supply the clay required for zellige production, especially since the quarries they previously worked in have ceased operations. They assert that the lack of raw materials has resulted in significant financial losses for professionals and threatens the survival of this ancient craft.
One artisan expressed to "TelQuel Arabic" that the zellige sector is suffering not only from the raw material crisis but also from the encroachment of mechanization at the expense of traditional zellige work. This shift has led to a decrease in demand for traditional products, resulting in the closure of several historical workshops and jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The artisans have urged the responsible authorities to expedite the issuance of the license for the new quarry, which they claim to have purchased nearly a year ago, yet they have been unable to complete the necessary licensing procedures despite the acute shortage of raw materials. This situation has forced many artisans to halt their work and close their workshops.
The protesters warned that the ongoing inaction from officials in addressing the fundamental issues plaguing the sector could lead to the extinction of this craft, which holds significant cultural importance as part of the heritage associated with the city of Fez and Morocco as a whole.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
