Minister of Culture Mehdi Bensaïd announced that his ministry is planning registering the caftan as Moroccan heritage with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Official said that he is preparing the submission in a statement to MAP, on the sidelines of the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Moroccan caftan, hosted in the Bab El Kebir gallery in the Oudayas.
The event aims to raise awareness on the artistry and history of the Moroccan caftan, which is an integral part of the intangible heritage of the Kingdom and constitutes a cultural heritage for all Moroccans.
This inauguration coincides with the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage, held in Rabat from November 28 to December 3.
Morocco has a number of UNESCO recognized intangible cultural heritages, namely regional forms of theatre, the traditions and the oral expressions, music and traditional dances, festivlas, “moussems” and Tbourida.
The instruments, objects, artifacts and the cultural spaces associated with the above are also all part of the immaterial cultural heritage Morocco has registered before the UNESCO.
To this list, UNESCO additionally includes regional heritages that Morocco shares with neighboring nations, Arab countries and Muslim communities across the MENA region.
Bensaid’s announcement comes at the heels of King Mohammed VI’s recent announcement, of the creation of a national center for intangible cultural heritage, to enable Morocco to build on the gains so far achieved.
The royal announcement, delivered by the Secretary General of the Government, Mohamed Hajoui, said the new center will continue to carry out systematic inventory operations of national heritage sites and intangible Moroccan cultural elements in various regions of the Kingdom.
It will also be tasked with developing a national database, holding scientific and academic training sessions to enhance the skills of conservation practitioners, and making sure young people are aware of the importance of their country’s cultural heritage.
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