chargement...
Algeria has expressed its satisfaction following UNESCO’s decision on Thursday, December 11, to recognize the caftan as part of its cultural heritage. «The Committee approved the modification of the title of the element inscribed in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, explicitly adding the mention of the caftan. The Algerian element will henceforth be titled: ‘The Festive Women’s Garment of Greater Eastern Algeria: know-how and techniques related to the making and ornamentation of the gandoura, m’lḥafa, caftan, qâṭ, and leḥaf,’» the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement.
The ministry, headed by Ahmed Attaf, praised the decision as «a major new diplomatic success for Algeria, both on the international cultural scene and within multilateral frameworks». It added that the move «strongly reaffirms Algeria’s historical and cultural precedence in registering the caftan on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, consolidating international recognition of an intangible heritage of exceptional value».
During the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held Thursday in New Delhi, UNESCO agreed to «note that Algeria requested the modification of the name ‘The rites and artisanal know-how associated with the tradition of the nuptial costume of Tlemcen,’ inscribed in 2012», and to «approve the modification proposed by Algeria, adding the mention ‘(the Wearing of the Caftan)’ to the file». In other words, «the wearing of the caftan» is recognized as part of a broader ensemble of traditional garments, rather than as a standalone element.
This decision comes just one day after UNESCO officially inscribed the caftan as Moroccan heritage, despite multiple Algerian attempts to challenge the Moroccan nomination.
