Morocco protests Algeria’s cultural appropriation

Algeria’s military rulers and their civilian façade continue their theft of cultural heritage of their neighbors, the latest episode was the appropriation of Moroccan mosaic in their national squad outfit which triggered an immediate condemnation from Morocco’s cultural ministry demanding Adidas to withdraw the Tshirts or risk a lawsuit.

Morocco’s culture ministry lawyer Mourad El Ajouti warned Adidas of the cultural appropriation they have committed and asked the company to withdraw the Tshirts within 15 days.

Morocco’s culture authorities have shown vigilance in recent months after many appropriation attempts of Moroccan heritage by Algeria.

Algeria has often unlawfully used Moroccan architecture and cultural heritage. For instance, in 2019, Algerian authorities organized a heritage fair featuring Marrakech’ Koutoubia tower on its main poster!

Not to mention Algeria’s failed attempt to brand Morocco’s traditional haut couture the Caftan as its own!

This systematic and state-sponsored theft of Morocco’s cultural heritage led Rabat to take serious action including listing its cultural assets with the UNESCO.

In April last year, Morocco launched the “Moroccan heritage” label to protect Morocco’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage from appropriation.