UNESCO recognizes Ramadan meal tradition of iftar

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed iftar on its list of intangible cultural heritage along with Lebanese bread manoushe and art of Italian opera singing.

The U.N. cultural agency on Dec. 6 recognized iftar, the meal that breaks the daytime fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on its list of intangible cultural heritage.

The application for the sociocultural tradition was jointly submitted by Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

"Iftar [also called Eftari or Iftor] is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan, upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites," said UNESCO.

Iftar, which follows the sunset call to prayer during Ramadan, is associated with gatherings "strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange," it said.

The age-old community tradition was recognized by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage that has been meeting in Botswana since Dec. 4.

In several Muslim countries, it is customary to mark iftar by eating a date accompanied by tea. Recipes for dishes and pastries, however, vary greatly depending on the country.

The U.N. body said that "the iftar practice is typically transmitted within families, and children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals."

The U.N. cultural agency also said it was adding Lebanon's iconic flatbread, manoushe, to its list of intangible cultural heritage.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage approved the inscription of the renowned...