Morocco has officially raised concerns with UNESCO regarding Algeria's recent nomination for the cultural heritage of zellige, a traditional tilework craft that Morocco asserts is a fundamental part of its own heritage. According to informed sources, the Moroccan government, through its Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, alongside its relevant departments, has requested urgent intervention from UNESCO concerning Algeria's submission titled "L'art d'ornementation architectonique en zellidje, céramique émaillée: savoirs et savoir-faire associés." This nomination is currently listed on UNESCO's website as part of the files under consideration for the 2026 cycle, with a review scheduled for the committee's session in late 2026.
UNESCO has clarified that the content of each nomination is solely the responsibility of the submitting state, emphasizing that publication does not reflect any stance or opinion on historical or legal matters. In its objection, Morocco claims that Algeria's nomination attempts to appropriate the cultural significance of zellige, citing legal and technical arguments related to Moroccan registrations associated with "Zellige de Fès" as well as references to its protected craftsmanship knowledge.
A presentation from the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2021 highlighted the technical quality specifications for "Zellige de Fès" as a critical part of Morocco's efforts to safeguard its handicrafts. Morocco's complaint also criticizes Algeria's use of the term "Zellidje," arguing that this spelling is a deliberate semantic shift designed to obscure the historically recognized term "Zellige." As of now, Reuters has not been able to independently verify Morocco's filing with UNESCO based on the public statements available from the Moroccan government, and there has yet to be a public response from UNESCO regarding the complaint.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
