New Delhi, India – Algeria has reaffirmed the Kaftan’s integral place within its intangible cultural heritage during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, a UNESCO body. The meeting is being held in New Delhi, India, from December 8th to 13th, 2025.
This development reinforces Algeria’s cultural diplomacy on the international stage and underscores the Kaftan’s deep roots in Algerian identity, its historical connection to local customs, and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote this heritage globally.
The Kaftan was initially inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012 through national files that have since been updated and unanimously approved within the organization.
During the current session in New Delhi, the translation of the national file’s title, previously known as “Rituals and Craft Skills Associated with the Tlemcen Wedding Costume ‘Lebsa Arftan’,” one of the most prominent traditional customs in the Tlemcen region, was confirmed and modified.
To further enhance the Kaftan’s international presence, clear English and French translations of the file title have been added: The wearing of Kaftan (English) and Le port du Caftan (French). These additions aim to provide a broader understanding of this traditional heritage.
This move further solidifies Algeria’s position as the original proponent of the Kaftan’s recognition as a fundamental element of its heritage on the international stage.
