“Shared Blood”: A Moroccan series with an Egyptian touch stirs controversy in Ramadan

The Moroccan series “Al Dam Al Mashrouk” has sparked widespread controversy since it began airing on the second Moroccan channel during the month of Ramadan 2025, due to the clear influences of Egyptian culture in its atmosphere and dramatic style. This controversy prompted the audience to question the authenticity of the work and its Moroccan character.

The impact of Egyptian culture on work

Although “Shared Blood” is presented as a purely Moroccan drama, the script was written by Egyptian writer Hajar Ismail, in cooperation with a Moroccan writing team.

Viewers noticed the similarity of the characters' costumes to traditional Upper Egyptian clothing, in addition to the atmosphere of the work that seemed close to Egyptian series with a rural character, which raised criticism about the extent to which the series was in harmony with Moroccan identity.

In response to these criticisms, Moaz Ghandi, the production company’s official, stated that Hajar Ismail presented three ideas for series, and the story “Shared Blood” was chosen because it was the most attractive, and the dialogue was written by two Moroccan writers to ensure a local touch. He explained that Hajar lives in Morocco and understands its environment well, which helped integrate a Moroccan spirit into the story.

Reactions between admiration and criticism

Despite the efforts made to give the series a Moroccan character, it was not spared from criticism, as some viewers saw that the work seemed closer to an Egyptian Upper Egyptian drama than a Moroccan production.

The audience also pointed out that the filming methods and directing style bear clear fingerprints of Egyptian drama, which made some wonder whether the series reflects the Moroccan identity it is supposed to represent.

The heroes of the series "Shared Blood"

The work includes a group of the most prominent Moroccan stars, including: • Dunya Boutazout Abdullah Didan • Maryam Al Zaimi Sandia Taj El-Din • Ayyoub Abu Nasr • Ayoub Kriter • Mohammed Al-Khayari • Good luck

The series is directed by Ayoub Lahnoud, who seeks to present a visual vision that combines Moroccan authenticity with a new modern touch.