UNESCO Recognizes 3 Arab Traditions as Intangible World Heritage

The UNESCO World Heritage list now includes the Arab metal engraving skills, the popular Palestinian "Dabkeh" dance, and birthday celebrations for the Prophet of Islam Mohammad (SAW) in Sudan.

Arab metal engraving (gold, silver, and copper) is a signature art native to several markets in Arab countries such as Iraq, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. UNESCO now lists it as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The skills required for this fine handicraft are deeply rooted in Arab countries. For instance, in Egypt, medieval Cairo is home to an entire market for coppersmiths, El-Nahaseen. The market has been recently revitalized by Fair-Trade Egypt and highlighted by the Ministry of Culture through its program Sanaiet Masr (The Artisans of Egypt).

The Palestinian Dabkeh dance is a cultural celebration that involves wind instruments, singing and dancing. According to UNESCO, Dabkeh is performed by a group of 11 individuals who stand in a straight line or semicircle and clasp hands and shoulders. They jump and stomp the ground with their feet, expressing their cultural identity.

In Sudan, the Prophet Mohammad's Mawlid (birthday) is celebrated with a procession that lasts 12 days. Thousands of people march in the procession, singing religious songs, while Sudanese Sufi orders join in with their chants. Food and beverages are served.