Towards Putting Moroccan Caftan on UNESCO List

The Moroccan traditional caftan is moving steadily towards its inclusion in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Giving a push in this direction was the aim of a national workshop held, Thursday in Rabat, under the theme “Art, Tradition, and Craftsmanship of Caftans.”
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, this meeting presented the caftan as a culmination of a long tradition of Moroccan clothing. The authentic dress, manufactured using luxurious fabric with great technical proficiency, reflects a mixture of cultures from the medieval period up to the present day.
In each region of Morocco, the caftan is attributed a distinctive set of features that are bound to local tradition and history, be it Amazigh, Arab or Jewish. In fact, the Jewish community is also preserving this tradition through the “Kessoua Lakbira” dress.
In Modern Morocco, fashion designers are frequently revisiting the caftan, while maintaining its soul and essence, making it a timeless garment. Even the plain caftans designed for men are now attracting attention.