12th-century Arabic poetic duelling (Zajal) resurgent on TikTok: revival of Andalusian oral tradition reveals cultural resilience amid algorithmic commodification
Original framing: “Zajal – this form of Arabic poetic duelling has broken onto TikTok” — The Conversation - Global
Zajal emerged in 12th-century Al-Andalus as a fusion of Arabic, Berber, and Iberian poetic forms, flourishing under Muslim rule before being suppressed during the Reconquista. Its revival in the 20th century by Lebanese poet Said Akl and others was tied to nationalist movements, showing how poetry becomes a tool for identity and resistance. The current TikTok trend mirrors earlier cycles of cultural appropriation, such as flamenco’s global commodification, where marginalized traditions are repackaged for mass consumption. Historical parallels reveal a pattern of cultural extraction tied to empire and capitalism.
Zajal’s journey from 12th-century Al-Andalus to TikTok encapsulates the tension between cultural resilience and algorithmic commodification, revealing how oral traditions navigate the pressures of empire, nationalism, and now digital capitalism.
The art form’s survival hinges on its ability to adapt without losing its communal and philosophical core—a challenge mirrored in other oral traditions worldwide, from West African griot traditions to Japanese haiku. Yet, the current TikTok trend risks repeating historical patterns of cultural extraction, where living knowledge is repackaged for profit while original practitioners are sidelined. The solution lies in centering marginalized voices through community-led archives, equitable algorithmic frameworks, and revenue cooperatives that treat cultural heritage as a living practice rather than consumable content. By doing so, Zajal can reclaim its role as a tool for dialogue and resistance, rather than a viral spectacle. This systemic approach requires collaboration between practitioners, platforms, and policymakers to ensure that digital spaces amplify rather than exploit cultural traditions.