Cultural Clash: Morocco and Algeria Dispute Origins of Traditional Haïk Garment

Between Morocco and Algeria, disputes over the paternity of this or that element of cultural heritage never end. This time, they are disputing the paternity of the haïk, a white fabric in fine wool or silk fabric, worn by women and covering them entirely, reports TSA Algérie. "On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Moroccan women came out yesterday (Sunday, March 5, editor’s note) in Tangier dressed in the traditional ’Haïk’ to revive the old Moroccan popular traditions," wrote The Moorish Times on its Twitter account, adding that the haïk was traditionally sewn in the Moroccan city of Fez before being exported to other cities in North Africa.

This post sparked many reactions from Algerian Internet users. "Of course, and the Great Wall of China is also something you built," ironizes an Algerian Internet user on Twitter. "It reminds me too much of the traditional outfits of Algerian women," "Is it possible to see old archives, or old photos of the haïk in Morocco, because it seems to me that it originally comes from Algeria. Wouldn’t the Moroccan people have any