UNESCO Recognises Ramadan Iftar As Intangible Cultural Heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, more popularly known as UNESCO, has recognised that Iftar, the traditional meal that breaks the day-long fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, is a part of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. A practice that is followed across all Muslim nations and countries with a presence of the Muslim community, like in India, Iftar is seen not only as a community event but also as a cultural one where food traditions merge with religious ones. 

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The application to UNESCO to give Ramadan Iftar the recognition it deserves was initiated through an application by Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan—all of whom are recognised as Muslim nations where the holy month of Ramadan and Iftar traditions especially include a wide range of dishes passed down the ages. The UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which met in Botswana last week, approved the application, adding Iftar to the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity list. 

Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen

In most Muslim countries, Iftar is observed around sundown after the evening prayers are done during the holy month of Ramadan. The Ramadan fast begins with a small Sehri meal before dawn, after which devout Muslims abstain from food and water all day. The breaking of the fast is done through Iftar, which includes dates and milk to begin with. In most countries, Iftar meals are elaborate and include a variety of platters and traditional dishes. 

“Iftar (also called Eftari, İftar or Iftor in practicing countries) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan (the ninth month in the lunar calendar), upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites,” the UNESCO said on its announcement page. “Observed by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, it marks the daily termination of the hardships of fasting from dawn to sunset.” 

Along with the announcement, the UNESCO noted that Iftar gathers the community together to create shared meals, which in turn strengthens the bonds. Since charity is a major component of Islam, especially during the month of Ramadan, many people also cook in bulk and serve free Iftar meals outside mosques and in community spaces. The UNESCO also noted that the knowledge and skills associated with making Iftar dishes, whether they are kebabs, sweets or simple drinks or sharbat, are shared withing families for generations, making these dishes a part of collective human heritage too.  

It is important to note here that while Iftar is a practice that is followed across countries with a Muslim presence, the exact dishes included in this community meal vary from nation to nation. For example, while it is tradition to include Haleem, a lentil-and-grain dish, in Indian cities like Hyderabad, countries like Egypt cook up Koshary and other dishes for the same community meal. Similarly, while including dates and milk in desserts is critical for Iftar, the exact recipes vary greatly across nations.