The five-generation old kaftan made of silk brocade from Fez donated by the Moroccan Embassy to the Ethnographic Museum will serve as a token of friendship between our two peoples and will bring a small piece of Morocco’s vast ethnology to the Serbian public.
This exhibition, that will last until July 4th, is an inspiring opportunity to pay tribute to Morocco’s talented and skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of the kaftan. It is thanks to their dedication and skill that the kaftan has become a symbol of our cultural identity and heritage, handed down from generation to generation. Those skilled artisans to whom UNESCO has granted the title of “Living Human Treasures,” encouraging them to share their knowledge and skills with the younger generation.
In the same vein, in 2022, ICESCO announced the inscription of the Kaftan as pure Moroccan heritage, on the list of tangible and intangible heritage in the Islamic world.
H. E. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, the Ambassador of Morocco to Serbia addressed visitors at the opening ceremony of the exhibition said:
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this special exhibition of the beautiful art of the Moroccan Kaftan, which will be on display in this prestigious Ethnographic Museum of Belgrade until 4 July 2024. On this joyous occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my dear friend, Mr. Marko Krstić, Director of the Ethnographic Museum, and his hardworking team for organizing and curating this wonderful exhibition, to the Ministry of Culture for its valuable support, and by all means to my dear spouse, Safae, and the entire team at the Embassy, for their tireless efforts in organizing and supporting this exhibition aimed at promoting the rich culture of the Moroccan kaftan. Furthermore, I hope that the five-generation old kaftan donated by the Moroccan Embassy to the Museum will serve as a token of friendship between our two peoples and will bring a small piece of Morocco’s vast ethnology to the Serbian public. Tonight’s exhibition is an inspiring opportunity to pay tribute to Morocco’s talented and skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of the kaftan. It is thanks to their dedication and skill that the kaftan has become a symbol of our cultural identity and heritage, handed down from generation to generation. Just like our Serbian friends, Morocco faces similar challenges in protecting its handicraft heritage and patrimony. However, I believe that by educating future generations in schools and beyond about craftsmanship and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, we can ensure that this priceless legacy survives and continues to thrive for generations to come.
