Morocco's Efforts to Protect Cultural Heritage
In a significant move to safeguard its cultural heritage, Morocco has officially lodged a complaint with UNESCO, responding to Algeria's recent attempt to appropriate the traditional craft of zellige, which is a form of intricate tilework. This claim by Algeria not only misrepresents the historical roots of zellige but also threatens to distort the cultural narrative surrounding this unique Moroccan art form. The complaint, initiated by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, alongside the State Secretariat for Handicrafts and the Permanent Mission of Morocco to UNESCO, underscores Morocco's commitment to preserving its tangible heritage and its ongoing battle against cultural appropriation.
Morocco has called for urgent intervention from UNESCO to halt Algeria's alleged attempts to seize the art of zellige, which it describes as a blatant violation of Moroccan heritage and a challenge to the credibility of the 2003 convention on cultural heritage protection. The Moroccan side has articulated a strong legal and technical basis for its claims, having officially registered both "Zellige Fes" and "Zellige Tetouan" with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This registration includes a detailed patent that describes the precise process of assembling zellige, establishing that any attempt to attribute this art to another country constitutes a breach of international law.
Historical Context and Academic References
The complaint submitted to UNESCO accuses Algeria of employing a semantic maneuver by using the term "Zellidje" (with a 'd') to circumvent the globally recognized and historically accurate term "Zellige." The Moroccan authorities have referenced several academic works to support their position, including a 1903 publication by the Marsi brothers, which asserts that the term "Zelij" is of Moroccan origin, indicating that its presence in Tlemcen is the result of linguistic and cultural borrowing. Furthermore, Morocco has pointed out a potential internal contradiction within UNESCO itself, as the organization has previously documented zellige as a purely Moroccan element in multiple files registered as part of the world heritage.
In conclusion, Morocco remains steadfast in its resolve to defend its cultural identity on the international stage, ensuring that its rich history and heritage are honored and protected against any form of misappropriation. The ongoing dialogue with UNESCO represents a crucial step in this endeavor, reinforcing Morocco's dedication to its artistic traditions and the global recognition of its cultural contributions.
As reported by hespress.com.
