From Bisht to Kohl: 10 Arab Traditions Added to UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
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UNESCO celebrates the Middle East and North Africa’s living culture, from food and fashion to music and community rituals.
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UNESCO has added ten new cultural traditions from the MENA region to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, highlighting the region’s rich social, culinary, and artistic practices. The annual update, compiled at a session in New Delhi, aims to protect and promote traditions that continue to shape daily life.
Traditional Garments and Fashion
Bisht – A symbol of respect and celebration, this traditional outer garment for men spans nine countries across the Gulf and Levant.
Moroccan Kaftan – A centuries-old ceremonial dress, embroidered and beaded, worn at weddings, festivals, and special occasions.
Community and Social Practices
Diwaniya (Kuwait) – A social space for debate, discussion, and community connection.
Al-Muhaibis (Iraq) – A friendly Ramadan guessing game involving teamwork, intuition, and lively communal participation.
Al-Mihrass Tree (Jordan) – Olive tree care and harvest as a communal agricultural tradition.
Music, Dance, and Performance
Hadrami Dan (Yemen) – Improvised poetry, music, and dance forming a vibrant communal performance.
Al Ahalla (UAE) – Rhythmic poetry chants originating from pearl-diving culture, performed at weddings and festivals.
Zaffa (Djibouti, Comoros, UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, Somalia) – Colorful bridal processions blending ritual, music, and dance.
Culinary Heritage
Koshary (Egypt) – Egypt’s iconic dish of rice, pasta, lentils, and fried onions, deeply embedded in daily life from street carts to family kitchens.
Everyday Traditions
Arabic Kohl – A black eyeliner used across the Arab world for both cosmetic and practical purposes, protecting eyes from sun and wind.
These additions reflect the diverse ways Arab communities celebrate life, mark milestones, and pass knowledge through generations, ensuring these practices continue to thrive.
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