فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In exclusive statements to Fes News, several artisans specialized in traditional Moroccan zellige tilework in the city of Fes have expressed deep concern about the growing use of modern digital machines for cutting zellige tiles. They consider this phenomenon a real threat to the continuity of this ancient traditional craft.
The speakers explained that traditional Moroccan zellige is an authentic heritage, registered on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, with no equivalent elsewhere in the world. They emphasized that introducing mechanization into this craft paves the way for external appropriation of this heritage and its transfer to other countries, resulting in a loss of its unique Moroccan identity and character.
The craftsmen pointed out that both domestic and international markets can be fully supplied through the manual work of traditional artisans, without the need for modern technologies that prioritize fast profit at the expense of the quality and precision that characterize handmade products.
They urged the authorities to enact laws banning the use of machines for cutting traditional zellige tiles, considering such technology as “killing the craft from within” and causing unfair competition, since machine-made products are sold at lower prices, harming the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on this profession.
They also highlighted the challenges artisans face related to the quality of the clay, calling for the urgent establishment of a clay treatment plant project to provide suitable raw materials that guarantee the quality of the final product.
On the social front, the speakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of effective support for traditional craftsmen, whether in housing, education, or special occasions, affirming that announced initiatives have not materialized on the ground.
The artisans confirmed that traditional Moroccan zellige is not merely a product but a cultural legacy and a national identity that must be defended. Any neglect in protecting it may result in its disappearance. They called for urgent intervention by the responsible authorities to stop the use of machines in this craft and to provide tangible support that ensures its continuity for future generations.
