Rabat – Princess Al-Hanouf bint Mamdouh Al Saud, accompanied by her husband Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Hamad, made a grand entrance, elegantly dressed in a traditional white caftan.
Amid the global excitement resonating on social media over the princess’s presence in caftan, the princess took to Twitter to express gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers that brought her joy.
In response to inquiries about her attire at the Brunei wedding, she said that, “it was Saudi, specifically from the Yanbu in Hedjaz.”
The princess further elaborated, stating that it is the very region from which the Moroccan royal family originates.
This, she emphasized, is the reason their cultural heritage has flourished and disseminated there.
Deleted Tweet by Princess Al-Hanouf bint Mamdouh Al Saud
Following her tweet, a significant backlash ensued. The comment section evolved into a courtroom, where Moroccans fervently advocated for the preservation of their cultural legacy.
On X, a user uploaded a picture of Saudi Star Lojaim Omran wearing and commending the Moroccan Caftan, remarking, “Saudi Star Lojaim Omran praising the Moroccan Caftan ! Who would have thought a celebrity is more honest than a PRINCESS ?!?!?! Have some dignity !”
In response, the princess promptly removed her tweet and issued a follow-up post on X to offer clarification.
The Saudi Princess clarified that her previous tweet was prompted by inquiries she received, emphasizing, “Because I don’t like stirring up controversy or discord, I prefer discussions on my page to be conducted in a civilized and respectful manner, even if there are differences of opinion.”
Referring to her previous contentious tweet, Al Hanouf Bint Mamdouh contended, “I have no choice but to delete it to put an end to the debate in this manner among you all.”
Tweet by Princess Al-Hanouf bint Mamdouh Al Saud
Despite facing criticism from some voices in Saudi Arabia who suggested that the caftan might not accurately represent their culture and advocated for Saudi attire instead, some users on X expressed support, with one saying, “What you said is true, why delete it!”
Another user added, “And besides, Moroccans are known for being an ignorant people, so arguing with them is pointless; they won’t understand or comprehend anything, people with ugly souls.”
At the Royal wedding, the Saudi princess chose to wear two caftans.
The first, a pristine white with gold embroidery, graced the Royal reception on January 14th, while she adorned the second, in blue, during the Royal banquet ceremony on January 15th.
Read Also: Saudi Princesses Graced in Moroccan Caftans Steal the Spotlight at the Grand Wedding in Brunei
This instance of cultural appropriation concerning Moroccan culture and traditions was not the first.
On October 8, 2023, the Saudi Culture Ministry announced the launch of a cultural portal, which it described as a “comprehensive database for the Saudi cultural sector,” which ignited controversy.
One of the promotional images used by the Saudi ministry for the cultural website displayed a Moroccan architectural print, featuring Morocco’s zellige.
This image raised concerns among many Moroccans, who expressed discomfort with Saudi Arabia appropriating Moroccan culture.
In 2022, Algeria ignited a comparable controversy by showcasing Zellige in an exhibition as part of its cultural heritage.
During the exhibition, Governor Said Sayoud of Oran remarked on the matter, stating, “Zellige is our heritage that we will not give up.”
Read Also: Zellige: Saudi Arabia Faces Backlash For Cultural Appropriation of Moroccan Culture
Moreover, in July 2023, Algeria announced its decision to add the allegedly Algerian “gandoura” (a traditional dress) and melhfa to the UNESCO Heritage List in April.
