Adil Fawzi is a Moroccan student studying for a bachelor's degree in business administration and is currently grappling with an intriguing dilemma. Whether to pursue a master's degree in communications in Qatar or specifically at a university in Israel. He grew up in the village of Amzegi (Berberi) located in the Atlas Mountains, about 100 kilometers from the city of Marrakech, and absorbed the local culture, heritage and customs there. His father, who inspired him with stories about Morocco's past and the breathtaking view from the village, made him cherish the rich heritage of the country, especially that of Jews and Amazonians. Against this background, two years ago he launched a project on Instagram that now enjoys tens of thousands of followers.
"The name of the project is 'Moorcock,' from the Amazigh language and familiar to the educated and those interested in the language as the term that refers to Morocco," says Fawzi. "The word Moorcock is one of the variations of the city of Marrakech or 'Markek' in the local pronunciation. It is believed that over the years, the pronounciation of the word Moorcock has changed, becoming a soup in the temperament.
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"My journey to launch the project began on February 14, 2021, a date chosen symbolically. When the world enacted Valentine's Day, I chose to express my love for the country in a unique way of creating a platform that showcases the richness of Moroccan culture and heritage. The idea behind Moorcock was born out of a desire to share Morocco's diverse culture. I was inspired by the narratives of the people of Morocco during the French protectorate, and I wanted to bring these stories to the forefront to ensure that they are not forgotten," he says.
"The project also includes the Jewish heritage, which is intertwined with the history of the country," adds Fawzi, who chose to display his photos accompanied by Arabic and English in order to reach the whole world. According to him, some of the photos come to him from personal collections passed down from generation to generation in the family. Also, one of Fauzi's main sources is his followers, who contribute their own photographs and add their own layer to the project. Other sources are the archives of the National Library of Israel and the French Diplomatic Archives, as well as well-known photography agencies.
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"One of the most prominent sets of photographs I had the honor of publishing was of visits by Israeli leaders to Morocco, such as the visit of Shimon Peres – the President of Israel and former Prime Minister of Israel. These visuals emphasize the strength and longevity of Israeli-Moroccan relations. Morocco's role in maintaining peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors is an aspect I am eager to illuminate. Another moving set shows Moroccan Jews leaving for Israel to mark their aliyah. The intense sensations were vividly captured in the photographs."
How many photos in total are there in the project?
"So far, I've posted 2,500 photos and videos. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. My personal collection and the archives that access me offer a wide range of photos and videos. It is difficult to quantify how many images there are in these archives. It is important for me to emphasize that these numbers represent not only pictures but the countless stories and traditions and historical moments they contain."
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Fauzi chose to focus on 20th-century pictures because it was "an era of dramatic change for Morocco." When asked about the place of Jewish culture in Morocco, he replies that "Jewish culture occupies a significant and honorable place in Morocco's rich heritage. Jews have been part of the socio-economic fabric of Morocco for more than two thousand years and have contributed to economic, social and cultural development.
"You can see their influence in the arts trade, music, language and cuisine. Moreover, the Moroccan constitution of 2011 is a milestone in this shared heritage, since it officially recognized the Hebrew Merkavim as an integral part of Moroccan identity. The influence of the Jews is present in Moroccan art and music, and Jewish composers contributed to the development of new genres such as Andalusian music. The Jewish quarters (the mellah) tell about the art of architecture." According to him, the recognition of the Hebrew Merkavim in the Moroccan constitution enabled the revival of Jewish heritage and the renewal of synagogues and Jewish heritage sites."
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What is your message in the project?
"I strive to convey a message of unity and coexistence and appreciation for our diverse heritage. Morocco is a rich mosaic of cultures and religions, each of which has shaped our country in different ways. I am motivated by a desire to educate and inspire pride in our diverse Moroccan heritage."
Fauzi notes that he is currently examining options for displaying the images in exhibitions in cooperation with cultural institutions, libraries and museums. "This will be a great opportunity for the general public to connect with our heritage," he concludes.
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When asked about the reactions he receives, Fauzi replies: "In general, the reactions to the project were remarkably positive. Most Moroccans appreciate the opportunity to explore and connect with their rich heritage and history. This is true for older generations who are often mired in nostalgia and appreciate the content. At the same time, younger generations enjoy discovering aspects of their heritage that they did not know before. However, every project has opponents and my case is no different. A particular area of criticism stems from my emphasis on Jewish culture and history in Morocco.
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"Some people – due to the sensitive nature of Morocco-Israel relations – see this focus as controversial and political. They perceive this as support for Israeli and Zionist policies or as an overemphasis on Jewish influence on Moroccan history. Nevertheless, I see these responses as an opportunity for conversation and understanding, not for argument."
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