Watan-The unveiling of the official logo for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Morocco, has sparked widespread debate between Moroccans and Algerians on social media due to its design inspired by the renowned “Zellige” art of the region. The logo, announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was described as being inspired by the art of mosaic and Moroccan decoration, blending creativity, precision, and passion to reflect the identity of the tournament.
This announcement reignited an ongoing debate between Algeria and Morocco over the origins of Zellige, which is considered a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage. This dispute follows earlier cultural tensions, most notably in September 2022, when Morocco’s Ministry of Culture issued a legal warning to Adidas.
The Adidas controversy arose after the company launched a new design for the Algerian national team’s jersey, inspired by traditional Zellige patterns. The design was said to be inspired by the historic El Mechouar Palace in Tlemcen, Algeria. This prompted the Moroccan side to view the move as “cultural appropriation” and an attempt to attribute a traditional form of Moroccan heritage to another country.
In the context of this new controversy, Moroccans on social media celebrated the logo, considering it a reflection of authentic Moroccan identity and a showcase of Zellige art, which they view as a global cultural heritage. On the other hand, Algerians argued that Zellige is an integral part of their cultural heritage, particularly in cities like Tlemcen, which is famous for its traditional decorative arts and architecture.
It is worth noting that Zellige art, which has developed in North Africa over centuries, is considered one of the region’s most prominent cultural markers, with its history encompassing Maghrebi and Andalusian influences. It has contributed to shaping a distinctive architectural identity in both countries.
The cultural debate between Morocco and Algeria over the origins of Zellige reflects broader tensions between the two countries, which have disagreements on multiple political and cultural fronts. With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, this dispute seems likely to persist, especially as global attention will focus on Morocco as the host nation for the tournament.
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