DZWatch Exclusive – Algeria has successfully solidified the caftan’s global standing as an integral part of its cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO since 2012. The Ministry of Culture and Arts affirmed this achievement, stating it as ‘a new victory added to the record of Algerian cultural diplomacy.’
During the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently held in New Delhi, India, from December 8th to 13th, 2025, Algeria reaffirmed the caftan’s position as an inseparable element of its intangible cultural heritage. The Ministry emphasized that the caftan’s registration with UNESCO dates back to 2012, through two previous national files that have been updated and unanimously confirmed.
In 2012, international recognition was granted to the rich heritage of Tlemcen. The Ministry highlighted the unanimous approval to amend and confirm the translation of the national file registered in 2012, originally titled: ‘Rituals and Craft Skills Associated with the Tlemcen Wedding Costume ‘Lebsa Erftan’.’ A clear and direct translation was added to the main title in English and French to solidify the caftan’s position:
English: ‘The Wearing of Kaftan’
French: ‘Le port du Caftan’
Furthermore, in 2024, the committee unanimously approved updating the title of the national file registered in 2024 to be more inclusive and reflect the diverse Algerian cultural landscape. The file is now titled: ‘The Women’s Festive Dress of Greater Eastern Algeria: Knowledge and Skills of Sewing and Making Jewelry to Adorn the Gandoura, Melhfa, Caftan, Kat, and Lhaf.’
The Ministry of Culture emphasized that this confirmation sends a powerful message: the caftan is a fundamental component of the Algerian heritage fabric, registered and internationally recognized for over a decade. These strategic procedural and diplomatic steps underscore Algeria’s commitment to preserving and protecting all elements of its cultural identity from any attempts at distortion or appropriation.
