Presenting the Declaration of the Kingdom of Morocco following the adoption by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of intangible Cultural Heritage, meeting for its 19th session in the Paraguayan capital (december 2-7), of a decision regarding the file of a submitting State having presented the gandoura and El Mlehfa with a photo and video images presenting the Moroccan Caftan Ntaâ of Fez, Mr. Addahre affirmed that “the Kingdom of Morocco, while fully adhering to the spirit of openness and peace whose sacredness takes priority and transcends borders, reaffirms that our Convention must in no way be subject to exploitation for the purposes of cultural usurpation or political instrumentalization as stipulated the constitutive act of our Association”.
The ambassador stressed that “if intangible cultural heritage works to bring people together, its safeguarding and promotion are more than essential to preserve the sovereignty and cultural integrity of our Nations and the specific identity of our communities”.
“My warm thanks,” continued the ambassador, “also go to the honorable members of the Evaluation Body who kindly proposed to the Secretariat to integrate paragraph 4 into the wording of decision 7.b.COM.20 , thus responding to the challenge introduced by Morocco several months ago, recalling that the use of the supporting documentation (photo and video sequences)‚ does not imply any origin, appropriation or intellectual property of intangible cultural heritage.
Mr. Addahre affirmed that “being aware of the imperative of neutrality imposed on us by the objective criteria of the Operational Directives, the Kingdom of Morocco remains convinced of the special place that the history and genesis of know-how and their preservation so notable to our communities. This know-how constituting one of the bases of cultural sovereignty and an essential marker of the identity of our Nations, it is therefore our duty to protect it.”
He cited in this context in particular “the example of the emblematic Ntaâ Caftan of the city of Fez with its multiple animal and floral embroidery, the photo of which was introduced in an unexplained and vicious manner in the file of the submitting State and in disconnection with the element presented for inscription”.
The Moroccan caftan, explained Mr. Addahre, “being the subject of an submission for registration under the 2025 cycle, and globally recognized for its beauty and the unique know-how which has shaped it for several centuries, sadly makes the “subject of attempts at appropriation in the same way as other elements of Moroccan living heritage”.
“This probably results from a need to fill a deficit in past depth which led the submitting State to want to invent and take liberties with factual heritage realities, knowing that contrary to what some believe, the issue of property is not the responsibility of UNESCO, but of other international organizations,” he said.
And the ambassador added that “obviously true identity does not reside only in the elements of Intangible Heritage, but in the structuring values of the imagination of a people”.
How can local communities effectively advocate for the protection of their cultural traditions?
interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Heritage Expert Mr.Addahre: Safeguarding Morocco’s Intangible Heritage
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Addahre. Recently, the Kingdom of Morocco presented a significant declaration during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Can you elaborate on this momentous occasion?
Mr. Addahre: Thank you for having me. Yes, this session held in Paraguay was pivotal for Morocco, notably concerning the governance and protection of our intangible cultural heritage. We emphasized our commitment to the principles of openness and peace, while also highlighting that our cultural heritage should not be used for cultural appropriation or political purposes.
Time.news Editor: Cultural appropriation is a hot topic. What specific measures did Morocco urge to safeguard its cultural identity during this session?
Mr. Addahre: We advocated for the safeguarding and promotion of our cultural heritage, which is critical in preserving the sovereignty and integrity of our communities. The inclusion of a paragraph in decision 7.b.COM.20 underscored that the documentation presented does not imply ownership or intellectual property over intangible cultural heritage. This was a necessary stipulation to prevent misappropriation.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the Ntaâ caftan of Fez specifically. Why is this garment emblematic in the discussion of Moroccan heritage?
Mr. Addahre: The Ntaâ Caftan is more than a piece of clothing; it embodies a rich tradition of artistry in embroidery that reflects our cultural identity. It is vital to understand that this caftan is submitted for registration in the 2025 cycle, and there are ongoing attempts at appropriation that threaten its past and cultural essence.
time.news Editor: That sounds concerning. What role does UNESCO play in this context, and what misconceptions exist about its authority?
Mr. Addahre: Many people assume that matters of cultural property fall under UNESCO’s jurisdiction, but this is not the case. The governance of cultural property issues stems from different international organizations. Our responsibility, as a nation, is to advocate for our heritage within those frameworks.
Time.news Editor: as an expert in cultural heritage, what advice would you give to communities looking to safeguard their traditions amidst globalization?
Mr. Addahre: It is essential for communities to document and educate about their traditions actively.Engaging with local and international platforms can help amplify their voices. Additionally, establishing robust legal frameworks to protect intangible cultural heritage at the national level is crucial for maintaining cultural sovereignty.
Time.news Editor: Concluding our interview, what do you believe is the future outlook for Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage?
Mr. Addahre: The future looks promising, but it requires vigilance and a commitment from both the Moroccan government and its people. By reinforcing our cultural identity and promoting our heritage responsibly and authentically, we can ensure that our legacy endures for future generations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Addahre, for your valuable insights on safeguarding Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage.It’s clear that collaboration and a proactive approach are key to preserving the rich cultural traditions of Morocco.