ALGIERS – The Algerian Kaftan is more than a traditional costume, it reflects the genius of an authentic ancestral craftsmanship and a clothing heritage jealously preserved and delivered from generation to generation.
The interest in this clothing heritage was reflected in the inclusion of the “Constantine Kaftan” (kaftan El-Kadi) – one of the elements of the dossier related to the women’s ceremonial costume in the Algerian Grand East – on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in December 2024.
Considered as a “historical heritage” and one of the “key elements” of Algerian identity, the traditional Kaftan dates back to a distant historical period.
From the 16th century onward, the Kaftan, perpetuated by the Ottomans, experienced a “notable expansion,” thanks to the growth of traditional craftsmanship, explains this heritage specialist, who was involved in the preparation committee for the dossier submitted to UNESCO by Algeria.
Made from velvet, silk or silky fabrics, wool or cotton, the “Caftan El-Kadi,” one of the most emblematic women’s costumes, reflects the “deeply rooted heritage character in most families of the Algerian Grand East,” she added.
Its antiquity has been proven by marriage certificates dating back to the 17th century, recorded in the archives of Constantine and Algiers, mentioning the Kaftan as part of the bridal dowry.
In addition to Algerian collections in the National Museums of Bardo in Algiers, Arts and Popular Traditions of the Casbah, and the National Museum of Antiquities and Islamic Arts, the Algerian caftan has also left its mark through its presence in museums, palaces, and private collections around the world.
