Essaouira Festival Opens Dialogue on Craftsmanship as a Cultural Bridge Between Morocco, Andalusia

A centuries-old connection between Morocco and Andalusia took center stage at a prestigious gathering in Essaouira.

Fez — On Saturday, Essaouira was a gathering place for high-level figures at the 3rd edition of the “L’Âme des Cultures” International Festival.

A highlight of the event was a panel on the role of craftsmanship in bridging cultural gaps and connecting Morocco and Andalusia, attended by André Azoulay, Adviser to the King and President of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, and Adil El Maliki, Governor of Essaouira. Also present were other prominent diplomatic, cultural, and artistic personalities.

The panel, titled “Craftsmanship as a Living Heritage: Material Heritage and Knowledge Transfer,” tackled the deep, mutual influence of craftsmanship across the Mediterranean.

One panelist, Moha Er Rich, Director of Heritage Preservation, Innovation, and Promotion at the Ministry of Craftsmanship and Social Economy, stated that craftsmanship is more than just an economic sector, it’s a strong cultural marker reflecting the shared history of Morocco and Andalusia.

Jose de Leon, an Andalusian expert in decorative arts, pointed out that centuries of cultural exchange between Morocco and Andalusia have shaped unique artistic styles and techniques.

These traditions continue to be passed down through generations, preserving a common legacy.

Paquili, a master craftsman from Seville specializing in gold embroidery, noted the mutual impact of Morocco and Andalusia on ornamental techniques, particularly visible in traditional costumes and decorative items.

Youssef Jeddi, a specialist in Thuya wood marquetry, talked about the need to adapt craftsmanship to modern challenges while safeguarding its authenticity.

He stressed that the modernization of the craft sector should highlight, not diminish, ancient techniques, promoting them on international markets.

Also speaking on the panel were Abdelhafid Essabi and Abdeljalil Bassis, two master jewelers, who discussed the cultural significance of the “Deg Souiri” jewelry, which reflects the intertwined Jewish-Amazigh and Arab-Andalusian influences in Essaouira’s history.

The panel also addressed the urgent need to preserve craftsmanship in the face of globalization, as well as the scarcity of raw materials, and evolving artisan practices. The experts called for stronger training programs for younger generations and greater support for artisans to ensure the survival of this living heritage.

The “L’Âme des Cultures” Festival is co-organized by the “Jeunes de l’Art Authentique pour le Samaâ et le Patrimoine” Association of Essaouira’s Zaouïa Qadiriya, the Three Cultures Foundation of the Mediterranean, and the Machado Foundation of Seville.

This festival, under the theme “Our Shared Spiritualities: Between Ethics and Aesthetics,” culminates today, offering not only musical concerts but also spaces for reflection and dialogue on the deep connections that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.