UNESCO adds Ramadan Iftar to its intangible heritage list

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has included the Ramadan Iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan at the time of adhan (call to prayer) of the Maghrib prayer, in its intangible heritage list.

Recognizing the «social and cultural traditions», the meal was added to UNESCO’s list on Wednesday following an application jointly submitted by Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Iran.   

? BREAKING

New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Iftar/Eftari/Iftar/Iftor and its socio-cultural traditions, #Azerbaijan ??, Islamic Republic of #Iran ??, #Türkiye ??, #Uzbekistan ??.

Congratulations!https://t.co/c2HMPpStCA #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/VKd2O6UNxG

— UNESCO ?️ #Education #Sciences #Culture ?? (@UNESCO) December 6, 2023

«For communities, Iftar often takes the form of gatherings or meals, strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange», said UNESCO.

To the UN body, the meal is an opportunity for families to transmit «oral instruction, observation and participation», and «knowledge about the benefits of fasting and the social values and functions of Iftar».

UNESCO’s decision took place during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has been meeting in Botswana since Monday.