Two famous Arab influencers, Ghaith Marwan (5.4 million subscribers) and Saraa Al Wari (1.9 million subscribers), recently shared photos from their wedding on social networks. Living in Dubai, the couple chose to celebrate their union by wearing a Moroccan outfit, with a khit erororing the head of Saraa.
The khit erouh is a traditional Algerian jewel, worn across the forehead and composed of nineteen chiseled bezels linked together by rings. It is often accompanied by earrings encrusted with precious stones and rows of baroque pearls. It can also be worn around the neck.
Controversy – Khit Erouh: The reaction of Algerians
Algerians, outraged by the cultural appropriation of their heritage, expressed their displeasure en masse on the internet. Influencers, such as Numidia Lezoul, shared photos of themselves wearing the Khit Erouh as a reminder of its Algerian origins. Lezoul notably posted a story on Instagram, showing the jewel on his head and claiming that it is transmitted from generation to generation, “from mother to daughter”.
Other pages popular with Algerians have stressed the importance of preserving their cultural heritage. One publication, for example, states: “We will not allow the promotion and looting of our heritage”.
Netizens were quick to express their anger in the comments. In support of their community, many Algerian influencers have denounced this through photos and videos of them wearing the Khit Erouh, while explaining its importance in Algerian culture.
The Algerian reaction to the cultural appropriation of KhitErouh at the wedding of Ghaith Marwan and Saraa Al Wari was sharp and intense. Internet users have mobilized to condemn this use of their cultural heritage, flooding publications with angry comments.
The Hit Erouha traditional Algerian jewel
The khit erouh is a tiara or a ferronnière, worn with traditional outfits such as the karakou or the chedda of Tlemcen. It is often decorated with diamonds or other precious stones and is appreciated by Algerian women, especially for brides. Although some wealthy women wear it with gemstones, it is not used to denote their social status. In Tlemcen, it is common to see women wearing three or four superimposed khit erouh.
In conclusion, the marriage of Ghaith Marwan and Saraa Al Waria caused an outcry among Algerians, who mobilized to defend their cultural heritage and recall the importance of respecting the origins of khit erouh.
