This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press. Rabat
Advisor to His Majesty the King, founding president of the Essaouira Mogador Association, André Azoulay, affirmed yesterday Monday in Rabat that traditional industry embodies, in the different expressions linked to it, the pluralism of the Kingdom.
Mr. Azoulay declared, during the event organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, in cooperation with UNESCO, under the slogan “Bearers of the torch of Moroccan artisanal treasures”, that “traditional crafts constitute a noble bridge because it brings together all the skills linked to it, the Kingdom in “its diversity, and it also had the capacity to express unity”.
Highlighting the unique character of this component of Moroccan identity, the advisor to His Majesty the King explained that traditional industry is considered “the incarnation of our civilization”, noting in this regard that the city of Essaouira, which constitutes a space for innovation in this field, includes, according to official figures, more than 5,000 traditional producers registered in the trade register.
Mr. Azoulay also declared that “traditional industry has allowed our country to express itself through art, tradition and local gifts, as a legacy of our ancestors”, adding that this meeting allows us to appreciate the true value of the traditional industry and prepare for the future in order to preserve “much of our related knowledge” and perpetuate it.
Citing the program which brings together the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, Social and Solidarity Economy and UNESCO, and which focuses on the training of trainees in traditional trades on the verge of extinction, such as wool felting and embroidered saddlery, the Advisor to His Majesty the King called for broadening the scope of this program and strengthening it “with the aim of resuscitating and restoring these trades and honoring the traditional craftsmen who have preserved its memory.”
In this regard, he stressed that only two countries in the world have benefited from a similar program, namely Morocco and India, adding that it is “an approach that goes beyond the simple need of preservation and is part of an ambitious and sustainable approach. strategic dynamic which results from a distinguished partnership with UNESCO for the preservation and promotion of artistic crafts. » “Traditional industry, which is at the heart of our intangible heritage. »
He continued that this partnership with UNESCO is a moment of awakening and a starting point, and a “contract of commitment” to go as far and for the longest possible duration in the process of preserving the character. Moroccan traditional craftsmanship “in its most beautiful expressions, in its creativity, but also in a large quantity of knowledge, which has disappeared or been eroded.
Mr. Azoulay also welcomed the dynamism and mobilization demonstrated by the ministry to bring about this exceptional partnership with UNESCO, noting that this meeting marked by distinction and resilience “reflects the determination of the ministry to give all the means of success in this effort to transmit this ancient An obvious heritage in our traditional trades which is in danger and threatened. » Sometimes he disappears.
During this meeting, which was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatima Zahraa Ammor, and the governor, national coordinator of the National Initiative for Human Development, Mohamed Dardori, several traditional artisans were honored for their efforts to preserve the “treasures of Moroccan craftsmanship”.
