Morocco Raises UNESCO Complaint to Safeguard Zellige as National Intangible Heritage
Agadir, The Gulf Observer: A Moroccan delegation held high-level talks with officials from the UNESCO to address an official complaint concerning the safeguarding and recognition of the traditional zellige craft as part of Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage.
The meeting brought together Lazare Assomo and Fumiko Ohinata, alongside the Moroccan delegation. It was organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Culture in coordination with relevant national institutions and under the supervision of the country’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.
According to officials, the discussions focused on Morocco’s formal complaint submitted within the framework of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, aimed at defending zellige as an authentic element of Moroccan national heritage. The initiative also seeks to reinforce advocacy efforts based on documented historical evidence and the continuity of the craft across generations.
The delegation reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to cooperation with UNESCO and adherence to the principles of the 2003 Convention, while stressing its determination to actively defend its cultural heritage against misrepresentation or appropriation.
Zellige, a hallmark of Moroccan craftsmanship, holds a central place in the country’s architectural and artistic identity. Widely featured in mosques, madrasas, palaces, fountains, and historic homes—particularly in cities such as Fez and Tetouan—the intricate mosaic tilework is regarded as a sophisticated visual language passed down through generations of artisans.
Morocco has intensified international efforts to secure recognition for zellige, including a UNESCO nomination initiative launched in 2025, amid broader discussions on safeguarding traditional knowledge and heritage.
The issue has gained prominence in recent years due to regional disputes over cultural attribution. Moroccan authorities maintain that zellige is a distinctly national craft, amid competing claims from Algeria. A notable controversy emerged during the 2022 Adidas design dispute, when Morocco objected to the use of zellige-inspired motifs, later acknowledged as originating from Moroccan craftsmanship.
Officials in Rabat view such disputes as part of a broader challenge concerning cultural representation and heritage ownership, emphasizing that safeguarding intangible heritage carries not only cultural but also political and diplomatic significance.
Morocco reiterated its readiness to continue working within international frameworks to preserve its cultural legacy, while strengthening legal protections and supporting artisans to ensure the transmission of traditional crafts such as zellige to future generations.
