“A people without knowledge of their past, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
These profound words from political activist Marcus Garvey emphasize the vital importance of understanding and preserving cultural heritage.
For the Kingdom of Morocco, a nation with a rich history spanning thousands of years, this sentiment holds particularly 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 fascinate people from around the world.
In recent years, a new generation of Moroccans has used social media to celebrate and share their rich heritage.
Instagram has emerged as a powerful platform to showcase Morocco’s history and culture to a global audience. Through carefully curated posts featuring archival photos, 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 counteract cultural appropriation by highlighting the authentic historical and cultural treasures of Morocco. By sharing engaging visual and narrative content, they aim to foster a greater appreciation for Morocco’s unique identity and inspire pride among their fellow citizens.
In an effort to learn more about what drives these cultural social media influencers, Morocco World News (MWN) spoke with some of the pioneers in this field of social tourism.
Morocco Vintage: Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Mouhcine Tanji, the 24-year-old visionary behind Morocco Vintage, has created an exceptional platform that pays tribute 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 fascinating history of the country through captivating stories, intriguing facts, and stunning visuals.
When MWN asked 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 photos from Morocco’s rich history can help people appreciate its beauty and diversity.”
To maintain the utmost accuracy and authenticity in the content presented, Tanji undertakes meticulous research. As he revealed to MWN, “I conduct research using various sources such as books, academic articles, museums, and archives. For visuals, I seek out images in the public domain or obtain permission from private collections to share them on my account.”
Furthermore, Tanji passionately emphasized the crucial importance of young Moroccans connecting with their country’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 continued, “By knowing where we come from, we can develop a stronger sense of identity, appreciation for our culture, and empathy for others who have contributed to our country’s story.”
Through his tireless efforts on Morocco Vintage, Tanji has not only become 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 acclaimed Instagram account Old Maghrib, has garnered a dedicated following of over 244,000 individuals who share his enthusiasm for exploring and celebrating Morocco’s rich history.
His journey began in his youth when he was captivated by old photos and vintage artifacts that offered a glimpse 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 because of my deep connection to the country, despite not being born there. Growing up in a Moroccan household and frequent summer vacations in Morocco, I developed a strong bond with its culture and heritage.”
What initially began as a personal collection quickly blossomed into a platform for sharing his growing knowledge of Moroccan history with an eager and growing audience. As Yassin observed the increasing curiosity of his followers regarding various aspects of the country’s heritage, he dedicated himself fully to curating well-researched and engaging content.
To ensure the utmost accuracy of the shared information, Yassin employs a multifaceted research approach. “My research process for gathering historical information and images is quite extensive,” he explained.
He continued, “Initially, I mainly use online sources, taking advantage of the many free archives available. For more in-depth research or out of personal curiosity, I have also visited libraries to explore relevant books.”
Yassin also passionately advocated for the importance of learning about one’s history. “In my opinion, it is crucial for Moroccans, particularly younger generations, to delve into their country’s history,” he said.
He emphasized that “Morocco has a rich and vibrant history that is an integral part of our identity and cultural heritage. By understanding and appreciating this history, we can develop a deeper connection to our roots and traditions.”
Yassin’s tireless work on Old Maghrib has greatly contributed to the preservation and promotion of Moroccan cultural heritage, as well as sparking a deep sense of pride and connection among young Moroccans.
By sharing the captivating stories of ancestors and the pivotal events that shaped the nation, he inspires a new generation to fully 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 unwavering determination and a steadfast commitment to combating cultural appropriation.
With a dedicated following of approximately 44,000 individuals, their account serves as a formidable platform to highlight the unparalleled richness of Morocco’s historical and cultural heritage.
Speaking with MWN about their motivations, the team behind Maroc Archives passionately shared, “We created an Instagram account dedicated to the history of Morocco with a combative spirit and out of deep love for our country,” they said. “Driven by the desire to combat cultural appropriation, we are determined to promote the rich historical and cultural heritage of Morocco.”
One of the distinguishing features of Maroc Archives is the wide array of sources they draw from, including archival material, historical photos, vintage films, and the in-depth works of both Moroccan and foreign authors. This diverse range of references allows them to paint a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of each era they explore.
The creators of the account have a particular passion for showcasing key moments of the late King Hassan II.
“We are also fascinated by Morocco’s modern history and have a particular interest in the emblematic speeches of the late His Majesty Hassan II,” they noted.
The Maroc Archives team continued, “Therefore, our page features many excerpts from his speeches, which we have carefully edited (image and sound enhancement, transcription) not only to bolster national pride but also to place his words, often misunderstood during his lifetime, in the correct context.”
As Maroc Archives continues to grow and evolve, the dedicated team behind the account remains steadfast in their mission to reclaim and rewrite Morocco’s history.
Through their planned collaborations with esteemed experts and their resolute commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies, they ensure that future generations have access to a more authentic and comprehensive understanding of their nation’s rich and complex past.
Looking Forward
The positive impact of these Instagram accounts is evident from the feedback they receive from their followers. Many young Moroccans living abroad have indicated that the content has strengthened their sense of identity and ignited their interest in their country’s history.
The accounts have also become valuable tools 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 significant cultural terms, one thing is certain: these creators aim to continue preserving, sharing, and celebrating Morocco’s rich past.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
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