With over 60 years of experience, Abdelkader El Ouazzani continues to weave the delicate threads of a dying tradition.
Fez– In the heart of Fez’s ancient Medina, Abdelkader El Ouazzani remains the last living master of brocade in Morocco, preserving a centuries-old tradition that is slowly fading into oblivion.
With more than six decades of expertise, he continues to weave the intricate patterns of silk brocade adorned with gold and silver, a craft that once flourished but now finds itself on the brink of extinction.
El Ouazzani’s dedication to his craft is palpable as he moves through his workshop, repeating the same delicate motions that have defined his life’s work.
Despite the passing years, his passion remains undiminished. “I learned this craft as a child when brocade was still highly valued,” he says in an interview with Le 360.
“But times have changed, and sadly, so has the industry. Very few people understand the art of brocade today. Machines have replaced the traditional methods, and with that, the heart of the craft has been lost, El Ouazzani explained.”
The brocade tradition, once a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship, is in danger of being lost forever.
El Ouazzani’s greatest regret isn’t just the decline of the art form, but the lack of artisans willing to carry it forward.
“I continue to practice this craft just to keep it alive,” he explains. “Unfortunately, I can’t find anyone to help me in my workshop, and no apprentices want to learn. The younger generation is only interested in quick money, not in the true essence of the work.”
Rachid, a fellow artisan working under El Ouazzani’s guidance, shares his sentiments.
He, too, bemoans the lack of dedication among the younger apprentices who come and go without commitment.
“They lack the will to learn and the patience to master the craft,” Rachid says. “For them, it’s just a job to pass the time. They only look forward to the end of the day, not the joy of creating something meaningful.”
El Ouazzani’s work isn’t just about creating beautiful fabrics; it’s about preserving a cultural legacy.
The art of brocade involves delicate, time-consuming techniques that require both skill and deep respect for tradition.
But with modern technologies and changing tastes, this once-thriving craft is being overshadowed by faster, more accessible alternatives.
The plight of the brocade industry reflects a larger issue facing Morocco and many other countries: how to balance tradition with progress, and how to pass on these invaluable skills to the next generation.
El Ouazzani’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of craftsmanship and the cultural heritage that is in danger of slipping away unnoticed.
As Morocco faces an era of rapid modernization, the future of such artisanal practices is uncertain.
Yet, for El Ouazzani, the craft lives on in every stitch, every thread, and every moment spent in his workshop, holding onto a tradition that continues to define him.
