Morocco’s Melhoun and Couscous Traditions Added to ICESCO Intangible Heritage List

In total, 26 files were submitted for approval to the Committee by the services of the Directorate of Heritage, under the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, to be registered as pure Moroccan material and intangible heritage, according to a statement from the ministry.

Among the cultural elements registered as Moroccan heritage with ICESCO, there are the know-how and customs associated with Moroccan couscous, the arts and know-how of the Moroccan caftan, Moroccan "Melhoun", the art of "Dekka Marrakchia". A further step towards the registration of these arts as world heritage of UNESCO.

By registering 46 heritage elements on the ICESCO lists, in addition to the 31 elements on the preliminary list awaiting approval, Morocco finds itself at the top of the final list of material and intangible heritage in the Islamic world. The Ministry of Culture promises to register more heritage elements in order to promote the cultural riches of Morocco internationally.

During the 10th meeting of the Committee, a ceremony to present the registration certificates on the heritage lists to ambassadors and representatives of some member states of the Organization was organized.