HIBAPRESS
A program broadcast by an Algerian channel sparked widespread controversy on social media after hosting a person presented as a "history expert" to talk about the origins of the Zellige art, before it later turned out that he was a veterinarian.
During the episode, which was filmed inside the Mechouar Palace in the city of Tlemcen, the speaker went on to say that Zellige is a purely Algerian industry, which sparked a wave of sarcastic comments and criticism among digital platform users. A number of followers interacted with the statements by questioning the accuracy of the information provided, pointing out that the Mechouar Palace dates back to the Almoravid era during the time of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, and that the restoration operations it underwent in recent years were participated in by Moroccan artisans specializing in traditional decorative arts. A number of followers considered that the use of speakers who have no relation to the specialization in Zellige art and traditional decoration reflects the absence of real experts in this field in the eastern neighbor, stressing that the art of Zellige is part of the authentic Moroccan craft heritage that has accumulated over centuries of experience and creativity in traditional architecture.
