Morocco is on the verge of securing UNESCO status for its iconic caftan, a garment that embodies centuries of craftsmanship and cultural identity.
The inscription on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is expected to be announced in the coming days, marking a historic milestone for the kingdom.
The caftan, celebrated for its intricate embroidery and artisanal know-how is prestigious dress that sustains entire communities of artisans across Morocco.
The move comes against the backdrop of a simmering cultural dispute with Algeria, which has been systematically attempting to hijack Moroccan heritage, from traditional cuisine and crafts to iconic garments.
In 2023, Algeria sparked outrage by including a photo of a Fès caftan in its UNESCO submission for “ceremonial female costumes in eastern Algeria,” a move Rabat denounced as blatant cultural appropriation.
Culture preservation officials have also warned that some ancient Caftans have been sold in Morocco and smuggled into Algeria and used by some anti-Moroccan circles to serve cultural appropriation claims. But in books, such garments and cuisine are nowhere to be found as Algerian.
Moroccan designers and heritage experts have long criticized Algeria’s cultural theft attempts.
UNESCO recognition will not only safeguard the caftan’s cultural significance but also boost Morocco’s creative economy.
The listing is expected to strengthen artisanal industries and provide international visibility for Moroccan craftsmanship. However, legal protection remains under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with which Morocco has agreements covering traditional crafts such as caftans and zellige mosaics.
Morocco recently secured a seat on UNESCO’s Executive Board for 2025–2029, winning 146 votes and outpacing Algeria, which failed to gain any support. For Rabat, the caftan’s inscription is both a cultural triumph and a rebuke to Algeria’s attempts to steal tangible Moroccan heritage.
