Eastern Algeria’s Traditional Women’s Attire Recognized by UNESCO

The traditional celebratory women’s attire from Eastern Algeria has gained international recognition after being inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This acknowledgment highlights Algeria’s rich cultural heritage and its diverse traditions.

Suleiman Hachi, Director of the National Center for Prehistoric, Anthropological, and Historical Research, expressed the global significance of the attire, which includes the “qandoura” and “melhfa.” He noted that years of research and collaboration between researchers, artisans, and cultural associations contributed to the success of the nomination.

Hachi emphasized that the inscription reflects Algeria’s vision to preserve and promote its diverse cultural heritage. He also pointed out the importance of registering cultural heritage in Algeria’s national database, as outlined by a 2003 executive decree.

The Ministry of Culture’s Nassim Mohand Amer highlighted Algeria’s strategy of preparing comprehensive files for UNESCO, involving all stakeholders to foster national pride in preserving intangible heritage.

This achievement follows the approval of Algeria’s file at UNESCO’s 19th session in Asunción, Paraguay, earlier this month. The same session also approved a joint Arab file on “Henna: Rituals, Social Practices, and Aesthetics,” involving 16 Arab countries, including Algeria.