Algeria’s Cultural Legacy Celebrated: Traditional Women’s Attire Among New Additions to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 5th, 2024 — In a remarkable achievement for Algeria, the country has successfully secured a place for its traditional women’s attire from the Grand East in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as recognized by UNESCO. This monumental acknowledgment of Algeria’s vibrant cultural heritage was confirmed during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently underway in Asunción, Paraguay, from December 2 to December 7, 2024.
A Historic Recognition of Algeria’s Cultural Legacy
This significant cultural milestone adds the traditional ceremonial costumes of Algeria’s eastern region, including the Gandoura, Melehfa, and Caftan, to the global heritage roster. These iconic garments, which have been worn by Algerian women during weddings, national celebrations, and religious ceremonies, are now recognized as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Gandoura, Melehfa, and Caftan, along with several other traditional garments, were honored for their unique craftsmanship, intricate designs, and their role in preserving Algeria’s rich cultural identity. The list submitted by Algeria also includes other notable attire such as the Qatt, Qouit, Lhaff, Chachia, and Saroual, as well as traditional accessories like the Mendil, Qnour, and Ceinture, all of which are hand-embroidered using various intricate techniques like silk thread, metallic filigree, and twisted threads.
Moreover, the traditional silver and gold jewelry that accompanies these garments, including pieces like Chachia, Jebin, Khit El Rouh, and Khlakhal, has also earned recognition for its exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Preserving a Living Heritage
The knowledge and skills associated with the production of these garments and accessories are passed down through generations, practiced both formally in training centers and informally within families. This living tradition continues to thrive, with artisans maintaining the same techniques that have been employed for centuries, ensuring that Algeria’s cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
As noted in the official statement from the Ministry of Culture, this achievement is not only a triumph for Algeria’s heritage but also a testament to the tireless efforts of researchers, experts, and artisans who worked collaboratively to present this file to UNESCO. The support from Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its permanent delegation to UNESCO, and the country’s embassies worldwide was also crucial in achieving this recognition.
Addressing Regional Disputes and Celebrating Algerian Identity
While this achievement marks a historic win for Algeria, it is important to acknowledge the surrounding regional tensions. The inclusion of the Caftan in the UNESCO list sparked controversy, particularly with neighboring Morocco, which accused Algeria of including the Caftan Ntaâ de Fès in its submission. However, UNESCO, in its impartial evaluation, did not consider this dispute and reaffirmed its recognition of the traditional Algerian garments, affirming the uniqueness and cultural significance of these items within the Algerian context.
The Gandoura, a lavish and intricate garment made from velvet or satin, is an exceptional work of art. Adorned with floral and animal motifs and embroidered with gold thread and pearls, it represents the elegance and grace of Algerian women. The Melehfa, a shawl-like attire associated with the Chaouia region, is equally significant. It is characterized by its draped design, fastened with silver brooches at the shoulders and a woolen belt at the waist. The Melehfa is often accessorized with a turban or scarf, further accentuating the wearer’s beauty and cultural pride.
Building a Cultural Legacy for Future Generations
The inclusion of Algeria’s traditional attire in the UNESCO list is not only a recognition of the past but also a strategic move to safeguard these practices for future generations. Algeria’s cultural assets are an invaluable part of the global cultural landscape, and it is essential that these traditions be preserved and promoted on the world stage.
In addition to the formal recognition of the Gandoura, Melehfa, and Caftan, Algeria’s Ministry of Culture continues to work on presenting additional elements of its cultural heritage to UNESCO for consideration. These efforts underscore Algeria’s commitment to promoting and protecting its unique cultural identity and its place in the shared heritage of humanity.
Algeria’s Expanding Role in Preserving Global Heritage
This new recognition adds to a growing list of cultural practices and elements from Algeria that are part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Algeria’s growing presence on this prestigious list demonstrates the country’s active participation in safeguarding cultural diversity and heritage. The addition of Algerian Women’s Traditional Clothing as the 8th item from the country on this list represents another triumph for Algeria, joining other important practices such as:
- The traditional Ahalil of Gourara and its associated customs (2008).
- The Tlemcen Wedding Attire (2012).
- The annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Sidi Abdelkader Ben Mohamed in Sidi Sheikh (2013).
- The Sabeebah festival in the oasis of Ghardaia (2014).
- The Sabou’ annual visit to Sidi Al-Hadj Belkacem in Gourara during the Mawlid (2015).
- The knowledge and skills of water carriers in the oasis of Touat and Tedi-Kelt (2018).
- The Raï genre of popular music in Algeria (2022).
In addition, Algeria has also contributed to global cultural heritage in collaboration with other countries, including joint efforts with Mali and Niger for the preservation of Imzad practices (2013), the recognition of Couscous production (2020), and more recent additions like the Nahla (Henna) tradition and the Arabic Calligraphy project.
As Algeria celebrates this latest victory, the country reaffirms its commitment to protecting its cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations will continue to appreciate and take pride in their cultural identity, while contributing to the global tapestry of human heritage.
The successful inclusion of Algeria’s traditional women’s attire in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is not just a momentous achievement for the country but a recognition of the immense value of Algeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. With this acknowledgment, Algeria reaffirms its cultural identity, celebrates its vibrant history, and strengthens its position as a key custodian of global heritage.
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