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The Strategy of the Moroccan Makhzen: Between Cultural Appropriation and Historical Falsification

For decades, a silent but fierce cultural battle has been unfolding in North Africa, particularly between Algeria and Morocco. Through a series of blatant cultural appropriation attempts, the Moroccan regime, commonly referred to as the Makhzen, continues to claim elements of Algerian heritage as its own, presenting them as part of Moroccan history. These attempts extend to various aspects of culture, including art, cuisine, traditional clothing, and even music. The latest example of this controversy revolves around Algerian zellige, a historical and artistic symbol deeply rooted in Algeria's history.

The Appropriation of Algerian Zellige: A New Controversy

Recently, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) unveiled the official logo for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The logo prominently features zellige patterns, which Moroccan authorities claim as part of their heritage. Adding to the controversy, the official tournament mascot was also adorned with these designs, with Moroccan media describing them as part of "Moroccan heritage and civilization."

However, a simple glance at historical records is enough to debunk these claims. Zellige, as it is known today, has deep roots in Algeria, dating back centuries, long before modern Moroccan claims. This art form is intrinsically tied to the dynasties and civilizations that shaped Algerian history, particularly during the Hammadid era. A genuine piece of Algerian zellige is even displayed at the Louvre Museum in France. This artifact originates from the Qal'at Beni Hammad, a site located in Algeria's M'Sila province and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These tangible pieces of evidence unequivocally confirm that zellige is an authentic part of Algeria's heritage.

Algeria’s Zellige Legacy on the Global Stage

Algeria has long been a cradle of rich and diverse civilizations, and zellige is a testament to this legacy. Distinctive patterns, such as the famous eight-pointed star, adorn historical structures across Algeria, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of Algerian artisans over the centuries. This particular star, prominently featured in the Cherchell Museum, dates back over 1,600 years, highlighting Algeria’s historical mastery of this art.

Moreover, zellige has been seamlessly incorporated into Algeria's modern cultural identity. In 2022, the Algerian national football team proudly wore jerseys inspired by zellige designs, a move that symbolized pride in Algeria's heritage and its rich historical depth.

The Makhzen’s Systematic Attempts to Claim Algerian Heritage

The case of zellige is only one chapter in the Makhzen’s broader strategy of appropriating Algerian cultural elements. Morocco has previously laid claim to Algerian traditional dishes such as couscous, clothing like the caftan and haik, and even music genres like rai, which originated in western Algeria. Each time, the Moroccan regime has launched well-coordinated propaganda campaigns to market these elements as Moroccan.

This strategy is deeply intertwined with geopolitical and historical contexts. By appropriating Algerian cultural elements, the Moroccan regime seeks not only to enrich its national narrative but also to overshadow Algeria’s historical and cultural influence in the region. This effort to construct a cultural hegemony often comes at the expense of historical accuracy.

Why Does the Makhzen Persist in These Efforts?

The Makhzen's persistent attempts at cultural appropriation can be understood as part of a broader quest for cultural legitimacy on the international stage, as well as an effort to diminish Algeria’s historical and cultural prominence. The geopolitical rivalry between the two nations, exacerbated by historical disputes and territorial conflicts, has inevitably spilled over into the cultural arena.

Algeria’s Response: Preserving and Promoting Its Heritage

In the face of repeated attempts at appropriation, it is crucial for Algeria to continue safeguarding and promoting its cultural heritage. This involves concrete actions such as historical documentation, educating younger generations about their heritage, and showcasing these cultural treasures on the international stage. Algerian institutions, supported by historians and art experts, play a vital role in defending this heritage.

Furthermore, Algeria can leverage international bodies like UNESCO to protect and certify its cultural heritage. Efforts to register more Algerian sites and traditions on the UNESCO World Heritage list provide a powerful tool against cultural appropriation.

Conclusion

The Makhzen’s attempts to appropriate Algerian heritage, whether it be zellige, couscous, or rai, reflect a political strategy aimed at reshaping North African identity to Morocco’s advantage. However, thanks to historical records, tangible evidence, and international recognition, Algeria’s sovereignty over its cultural heritage remains indisputable. The challenge for Algeria now lies in continuing to assert its cultural identity on both regional and global levels while defending its legacy through all available means.




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