Morocco Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Traditional Caftan to Preserve Cultural Heritage

Morocco’s application was filed at the end of March, two years after the inscription of Malhoun in 2023. Entitled "Art, Tradition, and Know-how of the Moroccan Caftan," the file includes a comprehensive inventory of regional styles, techniques and terminologies. "The caftan is a traditional Moroccan garment that draws its roots from a long history of clothing traditions that have continued to evolve from the medieval period to the present day," can be read in the application file. It is also described as "a long tunic that comes in different styles and textile supports, open in the middle, dotted with buttons and buttonholes, worn with or without the mdamma belt."

Various regional styles and craft techniques, including "Qftan tarz Ntaa, Takchita, Lmansoria, Lkeswa Lakbira, Lqmis, Jabador, Gandora" and many other variants have been listed in the file. The file not only details the involvement of several craftsmen in the creation of the caftan, but also identifies specific roles, including the weaver (Zeradkhi) who is responsible for the composition of the fabric, combining raw materials to produce brocade, velvet and silk, and the pattern maker (fessal), a profession practiced by both women and men, specialized in the cutting of the caftan.

Morocco’s file will be examined during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to be held from Monday, December 8 to Saturday, December 13, 2025 in New Delhi, India.