Moroccan Experts Call for Digital Transformation of Hassani Culture

Experts and stakeholders in Oujda, Morocco, have called for the digital transformation of Hassani culture to preserve and promote it. The call was made during a roundtable discussion organized by the Regional Committee for Human Rights in the Oujda-Sakia El Hamra region.

The event, held at the Fountain Hotel, focused on the theme 'Hassani Culture in the Era of Innovation and Digital Transformation: Towards a New Model for Activating Cultural Rights.' Participants emphasized the need to digitize Hassani cultural archives, including television, radio, and documentary materials. They also proposed creating a digital memory bank and dictionary for Hassani culture, as well as developing interactive platforms and applications that utilize artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality.

Additional recommendations included establishing a monitoring observatory for cultural policies, a regional fund to support innovation and creativity, and a theater and institute for Hassani culture. The participants also advocated for integrating Hassani culture into educational and developmental programs and supporting related cultural and creative industries.

The roundtable brought together researchers, academics, institutional actors, cultural figures, and creative project holders. It provided a platform to discuss transitioning from traditional approaches focused on preserving and documenting heritage to a more dynamic approach that positions Hassani culture as a living field for creativity, knowledge production, and socio-economic value.

Toufiq Bordji, President of the Regional Committee for Human Rights in the Oujda-Sakia El Hamra region, opened the event. Sidi Mohamed Salem Sadoun, the Executive Director of the Committee, presented the framework paper outlining the meeting's objectives and strategies for activating cultural rights in the face of rapid digital transformations. The discussions were structured around three main axes. The first, presented by researcher Habib Ayyed, focused on preserving Hassani culture and ensuring its continuity and renewal. Dr. Mohamed Lebihi addressed mechanisms and proposals for enhancing Hassani cultural and creative industries, highlighting opportunities for valuing local cultural products and developing related economic initiatives. Journalist Naima Maa El Aynayn discussed leveraging digital media and modern technologies to document and renew Hassani heritage, enhancing its presence and future prospects.

**Context/Background:** Hassani culture is a significant part of Morocco's cultural heritage, particularly in the eastern regions. The call for its digital transformation underscores the importance of adapting cultural preservation strategies to the digital age, ensuring that this rich heritage remains accessible and relevant to future generations while also fostering economic and creative development.