UNESCO Adds Palestinian Culture, Aleppo Soap, and Saudi Taif Roses to Heritage List
UNESCO has added Aleppo’s famous ghar soap, Palestinian Nablusi soap, and Saudi Arabia’s Taif roses, along with other regional traditions, to its list of cultural heritage.
Henna Traditions
In 2024, henna traditions, designs, and social practices were added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. The UAE, along with 15 other countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Palestine, proposed traditional henna-making to be recognized on the list.
UNESCO highlighted that henna is considered sacred in communities across Northern Africa and the Middle East. Its leaves are harvested twice a year, dried, and then turned into a paste.
The intangible cultural heritage list, created in 2008, helps protect important cultural traditions.
Aleppo Ghar Soap
Aleppo ghar soap, a famous product from the Syrian city of Aleppo, was also added to UNESCO’s list. This follows the inclusion of the city’s traditional music, Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya, which is already on the list. Aleppo itself became a World Heritage site in 1986 but was added to UNESCO’s endangered list in 2013 due to the civil war.
UNESCO explained that soap makers use “traditional knowledge and skills” and rely on natural, local ingredients. The soap-making process includes a drying period that can last up to nine months.
Nablusi Soap
Palestine’s Ministry of Culture shared a video about Nablusi soapmaking, a tradition that has been part of their heritage for over 1,000 years. Named after a Palestinian city, this soap is made using olive oil, water, and lye.
The ministry explained that using olive oil shows a deep connection to the land, and the soapmaking tradition provides families with a good source of income.
Taif Roses
Cultural traditions around Taif roses have been added to UNESCO’s list.
In Saudi Arabia’s Taif region, rose farming is an important part of local culture and identity. Training sessions are held to teach people how to grow and care for the roses.
From December to February, farmers prepare the land, prune bushes, and plant rose cuttings. The harvest season happens between March and April, lasting 35 to 45 days.
UNESCO noted that these rose traditions bring the community together and play a key role in social and religious rituals.
Tunisia’s Performing Arts
A unique tradition of performing arts from Tunisia, practiced by the Twāyef of the Ghbonten tribe, has been added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
The Twāyef are groups of poet-singers from the Ghbonten tribe. They perform chants in white robes and red hats (chechias), with a leader guiding a group of male performers.
This tradition started in the mid-19th century after slavery was abolished in Tunisia in 1846. It was created as a way for the community to express their freedom, blending African, Berber, and Arab cultural influences.
Algerian Women’s Costume
The ceremonial women’s costume from Eastern Algeria, along with the skills needed to make and decorate it, has also been recognized by UNESCO.
These traditional outfits, known as the Gandoura and Melehfa, are worn for celebrations like weddings, religious events, and other ceremonies.
The knowledge of crafting and wearing these garments is passed down in two ways: through training centers and private institutions, and informally within families.
Published: 6th December 2024
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