
Morocco Wins UNESCO Dispute Over Traditional Caftan Image
Morocco has once again thwarted an attempt by Algeria to appropriate its cultural heritage.

Morocco has once again thwarted an attempt by Algeria to appropriate its cultural heritage.

Morocco is striving to preserve and develop the image of its caftan due to the many attempts at appropriation of this traditional garment by certain countries, including Algeria.

The Moroccan caftan was celebrated at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit held from October 3 to 5 in Moscow, Russia.

The girlfriend of Indian singer and actor Honey Singh caused a sensation at the 2024 International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). She appeared sublime in a Moroccan caftan.

Vogue Arabia magazine, affiliated with the Condé Nast group, has celebrated the Moroccan caftan through a fashion series published in its September 2024 issue.

Taylor Ward, the wife of Algerian international Riyad Mahrez, confirmed that she wore a Moroccan caftan during the celebration of their third wedding anniversary on July 2, putting an end to the controversy raised by some Algerian media who had attributed an Algerian origin to the garment.

Some Algerian media and internet users have spread erroneous information about the traditional Moroccan outfits worn by Algerian footballer Riyad Mahrez and British model Taylor Ward on the occasion of their wedding, attributing them to Algeria.

Hilary Clinton, former First Lady of the United States and former candidate for the US presidential election, appeared in a Moroccan gandoura during the Tony Awards ceremony, an event that rewards Broadway productions.

The controversy continues to swell around the collaboration of Moroccan singer Zouhair Bahaoui with Norene Harid . Seeing the Algerian actress wear the caftan is not to the taste of many Moroccan Internet users.

Morocco has just filed a complaint with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) against Algeria, which wants to appropriate the Moroccan caftan.

An Algerian dressmaker exhibiting at the Paris fair at Porte de Versailles (May 1-12) claims to have received threats from Moroccans living in France because of the caftans.

The Moroccan caftan continues to seduce celebrities around the world. Currently on a stay in Morocco, journalist Malika Ménard, former Miss France, has appeared in this traditional Moroccan attire.