فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The city of Fez witnessed, on the morning of Monday, November 24, 2025, a protest stand in front of the Traditional Crafts Delegation, called for by the Provincial Office of the National Labor Union of Morocco together with the Provincial Office of the Traditional Zellige Sector. This stand comes as a response to what the union described as a serious threat facing the traditional sector following attempts to “introduce mechanization” and adopt modern industrial equipment, considering this step affects the essence of the craft and poses a danger to the future of hundreds of artisans.
The Union: The Identity of Traditional Zellige is in Danger
The statement issued by the Union explained that the situation experienced by the traditional zellige sector in Fez is “serious and unprecedented,” warning that introducing modern machinery will lead to erasing the authentic identity of traditional Moroccan zellige for which the city has been famous for centuries. The statement indicated that mechanization directly threatens the livelihoods of traditional craftsmen and strikes at the depth of Moroccan architectural heritage, given what traditional zellige represents in terms of unique cultural and aesthetic value.
Absence of Official Response… and Protest as a Last Resort
The union office stated that it submitted multiple complaints to various supervisory authorities without receiving any response, forcing it to take to the streets and mobilize sector workers to defend their profession and livelihood.
Artisans’ Demands During the Stand
The protesters demanded:
- Stopping the introduction of mechanization to the traditional zellige sector in Fez.
- Protecting artisans’ rights and providing job opportunities.
- Preserving authentic Moroccan heritage related to traditional municipal zellige.
Union Pledges Escalation if Necessary
The National Labor Union of Morocco confirmed it will stand against any attempt to “dilute the craft or transform it into an industrial product that loses its artistic value,” adding that it is ready to undertake additional militant steps to protect the sector.
At the end of the statement, the union raised its slogan: “Long live the National Labor Union of Morocco… and long live Fez, steadfast and struggling.”
