Television series ‘Fatah Al-Andalus’ sparks controversy over distorting Morocco’s history

TV series “Fatah Al-Andalus” sparked controversy and widespread criticism among Moroccan viewers.

Based on the story of Tariq Ibn Ziyad, the television series sparked a heated debate on social media, WITH many accusing the show of distorting history and promoting false historical consciousness about the Amazigh identity.

Moroccan activist Rachid Bouhaddouz, filed a lawsuit against the National Radio and Television Company (SNRT), as it daily broadcasts the series during Ramadan on Al Aoula channels.

The lawsuit appeared today before the Rabat Court of First Instance, but was adjourned until next Wednesday, due to the legal representative of the National Radio and Television Company of Morocco’s request for a deadline to present relevant documents and prepare the defense file.

“The series is insulting Moroccans. It harms the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and carries many historical inaccuracies (…) Therefore, it should not be broadcast on a Moroccan public channel,” said Rachid Bouhaddouz in a statement to Hespress.

On the other hand, others believe freedom of artistic expression and creativity should never be censored. Hence, attacking the freedom of artistic expression is not only an attack against artists, according to them, but it implies, above all, any type of freedom of expression.

“Artistic censorship is not acceptable, and we should encourage, rather than banning, any work of fiction or art,” said Azlarabe Alaoui, Moroccan filmmaker and director.

Alaoui told Hespress EN that “Fatah Al-Andalus’s technical processing was very weak, and this may be the beginning for Morocco to take control of matters of art, production as well as parallel diplomacy marketing.”

“We should encourage Moroccan historical movies and series, and make sure Moroccans creators and producers are present during the making process,” he added.

Fatah-Al-Andalus is directed by Kuwaiti Muhammad Sami Al-Anzi. The series tells the story of the Islamic leader, Tariq bin Ziyad, during the Islamic conquest of Andalusia, featuring the difficulties he faced to achieve this conquest.