In a striking development stirring cultural tensions, Morocco has recently made a bid to appropriate iconic elements of Algeria’s traditional dress by submitting a dossier to UNESCO. This comes mere months after Algeria’s successful effort to recognise its unique garments — the Caftan El Kadi, Gandoura, and Melehfa — as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The dossier submitted by Morocco threatens to overshadow Algeria’s recent victory, as it controversially includes garments like the Gandoura and Chedda, claiming them as Moroccan. The file entitles itself the “Moroccan Caftan: Art, Tradition and Know-How,” neglecting the Algerian roots that are woven deeply into these attires’ history.
Worryingly, the Moroccan submission lists a number of garments seemingly aimed at rebranding Algerian attire within a Moroccan context, such as the Chedda Chamalia and the Keswa Oujdia. This trend raises alarm among Algerian experts, emphasising Morocco’s potential rewriting of their cultural narrative.
UNESCO’s recognition of Algeria’s garments was based on years of documentation spotlighting their historical significance, mastery in craftsmanship, and their roles in traditional ceremonies. This acknowledgement reaffirmed Algeria’s rich identity and heritage in fashion.
However, Morocco’s actions reflect a broader pattern of cultural appropriation, as attempts like this have previously attempted to claim North African heritage. Analysts fear that these moves may harm regional relations and challenge UNESCO’s integrity in protecting authentic cultural identities.
Despite Morocco’s push, Algeria remains resolute in defending its heritage against what many are denouncing as a blatant act of heritage theft. This dispute over cultural identity is more profound than mere garments; it is a battle for the recognition of history and an assertion of national pride.
Morocco’s recent attempts to claim Algeria’s traditional garments, including the Caftan El Kadi, have sparked tensions as it submitted a dossier to UNESCO aimed at cultural appropriation. Algeria previously secured UNESCO recognition for its attires, establishing their historical importance. The Moroccan dossier raises concerns over erasing Algerian heritage and perpetuates a cycle of cultural rebranding, posing risks to bilateral relations and the integrity of cultural heritage protections.
The ongoing tensions between Algeria and Morocco highlight the importance of cultural identity and the protection of heritage. Algeria’s recent recognition of its traditional garments under UNESCO serves as an assertion of its history and craftsmanship. In stark contrast, Morocco’s submission appears as an attempt to appropriate this heritage, igniting a struggle for identity in North Africa. As both nations navigate this challenge, the dialogue continues over the rightful ownership of cultural narratives.
Original Source: www.dzair-tube.dz
