New Delhi, India – In a significant victory for Algerian cultural diplomacy, Algeria has successfully reaffirmed the position of the Algerian caftan as an integral part of its intangible cultural heritage. This achievement unfolded during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, India, from December 8th to 13th, 2025.
This accomplishment underscores the profound historical and cultural significance of the caftan, a deeply rooted symbol of Algerian identity. Algeria emphasized that the traditional garment’s inclusion on the World Heritage list dates back to 2012, through two national files that were unanimously updated and reaffirmed.
During the working sessions, the committee unanimously approved the modification and confirmation of the official translation of the 2012 national file’s title, previously known as ‘Rituals and Craft Skills Associated with the Tlemcen Wedding Costume – Lebsa Arftan.’ A precise translation of the title was also adopted in both English and French. This step aims to enhance the international visibility of the Algerian caftan and solidify its identity in global cultural forums, reflecting Algeria’s commitment to protecting and promoting its intangible heritage within international organizations.
This development further demonstrates Algeria’s dedication to preserving its authentic heritage and promoting it globally, as well as its continued support for traditional crafts and the introduction of their cultural value to new generations.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, convened in New Delhi, explicitly acknowledged Algeria’s priority in registering the caftan as a fundamental component of its rich cultural heritage on Thursday, December 11th, 2025.
The committee also decided on this occasion to amend the name of the element registered in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by explicitly including the caftan, thus renaming the Algerian element.
