The United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, has officially acknowledged Iftar, the evening meal during Ramadan, as part of its list of intangible cultural heritage. The joint proposal for this sociocultural tradition was submitted by Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan.
According to UNESCO, Iftar is a practice observed by Muslims at sunset throughout Ramadan, fostering gatherings that strengthen family and community bonds. It is recognized for promoting values such as charity, solidarity, and social exchange. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, meeting in Botswana, granted official recognition to this age-old communal practice.
In various Muslim nations, Iftar often begins with consuming a date along with tea, with recipes for associated dishes varying widely across countries. UNESCO emphasized that the transmission of the Iftar practice typically occurs within families, with children and youth often taking on the responsibility of preparing traditional meals.
In addition to Iftar, Italian opera singing, an art passed down solely through oral means, has also been included in UNESCO’s list of intangible global heritage. This physiologically controlled method enhances the voice’s carrying power in acoustic spaces like amphitheatres and churches. Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano expressed pride in the confirmation of opera singing as a world excellence.
These recognitions underline the diverse cultural richness and traditions celebrated globally, contributing to the preservation of practices passed down through generations.
