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Rabat – In recent weeks, a group of Moroccan activists have launched an online petition rallying against Algeria’s attempt to claim the “Caftan Ntaa El Fassi” as part of its own cultural heritage at UNESCO.
Urging Moroccans to sign the petition, the activists expressed their disapproval of the inclusion of the image of the Moroccan Fassi Caftan in the neighboring country’s cultural heritage dossier submitted to UNESCO in April.
The incident has sparked a heated debate, with the petition, which has garnered more than 21,000 signatures, calling on Moroccans to defend their heritage against repeated attempts of cultural appropriation.
The signatories expressed deep concerns about safeguarding the country’s cultural legacy from any form of misappropriation.
In response to the cultural appropriation attempt, the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has reportedly taken legal measures to counter attempts to claim the Moroccan caftan as part of their own and include it in the file they submitted to UNESCO.
Read also: Cultural Appropriation: Morocco Reaffirms Firm Position Against Algeria’s Caftan Claims
According to local reports, the ministry has filed a complaint to the UNESCO’s evaluation committee, requesting the removal of the image and the accompanying description placed under it in the Algerian file.
The caftan in question, which originates from the city of Fez, is one of the most iconic and cherished elements of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Characterized by its unique design, the Fassi caftan showcases the fine craftsmanship and artistic skills of Moroccan artisans.
The recent dispute over the Fassi Caftan is not Algeria’s first attempt to claim elements of Moroccan culture and heritage as its own.
Over the years, there have been recurring incidents where Algeria has sought to appropriate Moroccan culture and even claim some Moroccan traditional dishes as their own.
These attempts have sparked tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Moroccans fiercely defending their cultural identity and expressing concern over the preservation of their heritage.
