Marrakech – “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
These profound words by political activist Marcus Garvey underscore the vital importance of understanding and preserving one’s cultural heritage.
For the Kingdom of Morocco, a nation with a rich tapestry of history spanning thousands of years, this sentiment holds especially true.
Morocco’s cultural landscape has been shaped by a diverse array of influences, from the indigenous Amazigh tribes to the Arab, Andalusian, and sub-Saharan African civilizations that have left their mark on the country’s customs, art, and architecture.
This unique blend of traditions has created a vibrant and multifaceted culture that continues to captivate people from around the world.
In recent years, a new generation of Moroccans has taken to social media to celebrate and share their country’s rich heritage.
Instagram, in particular, has emerged as a powerful platform for showcasing Morocco’s history and culture to a global audience. Through carefully curated posts featuring archival photographs, historical videos, and literary excerpts, these accounts offer a window into the depth and diversity of Moroccan culture.
The creators behind these Instagram accounts are driven by a deep love for their country and a desire to counter cultural appropriation by highlighting Morocco’s authentic historical and cultural treasures. By sharing compelling visual and narrative content, they aim to foster a greater appreciation for Morocco’s unique identity and to inspire pride among their fellow citizens.
In an effort to find out more about what drives these cultural social media infleuncers, Morocco World News (MWN) spoke with a few of the pioneers in this socio-tourism field.
Read also: Morocco Takes Action to Prevent Algerian Appropriation of Moroccan Heritage
Morocco Vintage: Celebrating cultural heritage
Mouhcine Tanji, the 24-year-old visionary behind Morocco Vintage, has crafted an exceptional platform that pays homage to the splendor and richness of Moroccan culture and heritage.
With an impressive following of nearly 392,000 dedicated enthusiasts, his account has become a destination for those eager to immerse themselves in the country’s fascinating history through captivating narratives, intriguing facts, and stunning visual imagery.
When MWN inquired about the inspiration behind his account, Tanji passionately shared, “I was inspired by my deep love for Moroccan culture and heritage. I believe that sharing stories, facts, and pictures from Morocco’s rich history can help people appreciate its beauty and diversity.”
To maintain the utmost accuracy and authenticity in the content he presents, Tanji embarks on a meticulous research journey. As he revealed to MWN, “I conduct research using various sources such as books, academic articles, museums, and archives. For visuals, I search for public domain images or obtain permission from private collections to share them on my account.”
Moreover, Tanji passionately emphasized the crucial importance of young Moroccans connecting with their nation’s history. “Learning about our country’s history is essential for Moroccans, especially younger generations, to understand our present reality and shape our future,” he explained.
Tanji further elaborated, “By knowing where we come from, we can develop a stronger sense of identity, appreciation for our culture, and empathy towards others who have contributed to our nation’s story.”
Through his tireless efforts on Morocco Vintage, Tanji has emerged as not only an influential figure in the digital preservation of Moroccan history but also a beacon of inspiration for young Moroccans yearning to reconnect with their cultural roots.
Old Maghrib: Unveiling historical treasures
Yassin, the passionate mind behind the widely acclaimed Instagram account Old Maghrib, has garnered a devoted following of over 244,000 individuals who share his enthusiasm for exploring and celebrating the rich tapestry of Morocco’s history.
His journey began in his youth when he found himself enchanted by old photographs and vintage artifacts that provided glimpses into the nation’s storied past.
In his interview with MWN, Yassin revealed, “I was inspired to start an Instagram account focused on Moroccan history due to my deep connection to the country, despite not being born there. Growing up in a Moroccan household and frequently visiting Morocco during summers, I developed a strong attachment to its culture and heritage.”
What initially began as a personal collection quickly blossomed into a platform for sharing his ever-expanding knowledge of Moroccan history with an eager and growing audience. As Yassin witnessed the mounting curiosity among his followers regarding various facets of the country’s heritage, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to curating well-researched and captivating content.
To ensure the utmost accuracy of the information he shares, Yassin employs a multifaceted research approach. “My research process for gathering historical information and visuals is quite comprehensive,” he explained.
He further elaborated, “Initially, I primarily utilize online resources, taking advantage of the numerous free archives available. However, for more in-depth inquiries or out of personal curiosity, I have also visited libraries to explore relevant books.”
Yassin also passionately advocated for the significance of learning about one’s history. “In my opinion, it’s crucial for Moroccans, particularly younger generations, to delve into their country’s history,” he said.
He stressed that “Morocco boasts a rich and vibrant history that forms an integral part of our identity and cultural heritage. By understanding and appreciating this history, we can gain a deeper sense of connection to our roots and traditions.”
Yassin’s tireless work on Old Maghrib has greatly contributed to the preservation and promotion of Morocco’s cultural heritage, as well as igniting a profound sense of pride and connection among young Moroccans.
By sharing the captivating stories of ancestors and the pivotal events that have shaped the nation, he is inspiring a new generation to wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
Maroc Archives: Reclaiming historical narratives
The passionate individuals behind Maroc Archives approach the preservation and celebration of Morocco’s historical diversity with an unwavering militant spirit and a steadfast commitment to combating cultural appropriation.
With a dedicated following of approximately 44,000 individuals, their account serves as a formidable platform for illuminating the unparalleled richness of Morocco’s historical and cultural heritage.
Speaking to MWN about their driving motivation, the Maroc Archives team passionately shared. “We created an Instagram account dedicated to the history of Morocco in a militant spirit and out of deep love for our country,” they said. “Motivated by the desire to counter cultural appropriation, we are committed to promoting the rich historical and cultural heritage of Morocco.”
One of the distinguishing hallmarks of Maroc Archives is the vast array of sources they meticulously draw from, encompassing archival materials, historical photographs, vintage films, and the profound works of both Moroccan and foreign authors. This diverse tapestry of references enables them to paint a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of each era they explore.
The account’s creators harbor a particular passion for showcasing key moments of the late King Hassan II.
“We are also captivated by the modern history of Morocco and have a particular interest in the emblematic speeches of the late His Majesty Hassan II,” they remarked.
The Maroc Archives team further elaborated, “That’s why our page contains many excerpts from his speeches, which we have meticulously edited (image and sound enhancement, transcription) not only to strengthen national pride but also to contextualize his words, which were often misunderstood during his lifetime.”
As Maroc Archives continues to flourish and evolve, the dedicated team behind the account remains unwavering in their mission to reclaim and rewrite Morocco’s history.
Through their planned collaborations with esteemed experts and their unwavering commitment to rectifying historical inaccuracies, they are ensuring that future generations will have access to a more authentic and comprehensive understanding of their nation’s rich and complex past.
Looking ahead
The positive impact of these Instagram accounts is evident in the feedback they receive from their followers. Many young Moroccans living abroad have expressed how the content has reinforced their sense of identity and sparked a deeper interest in their nation’s history.
The accounts have also become valuable resources for raising awareness about cultural appropriation and the importance of preserving Morocco’s authentic cultural heritage.
Looking to the future, these Instagram socio-cultural creators have ambitious plans to expand their reach and deepen their exploration of Moroccan history.
From collaborating with experts to create intellectually engaging content to correcting historical inaccuracies and reclaiming important cultural terms, one thing is for sure – these creators have a goal to continue to preserve, share and celebrate Morocco’s rich past.
