The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) identifies intangible cultural heritage as the "non-physical traditions and practices that are performed by a people". As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.
Egypt ratified the convention on 3 August 2005.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Representative List Name Image Year No. Description Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah epic 2008 00075 Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah is an epic oral poem that recounts the tale of the journey of the Bedouin tribe of the Banu Hilal from Najd in Arabia to Tunisia and Algeria via Egypt. Tahteeb, stick game 2016 01189 Tahteeb is a traditional stick-fighting martial art. Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices + 2021 01718 The artistic practice of writing Arabic letters and words to convey grace and beauty. 2022 01700 Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices + 2022 01902 The Palm tree is considered to be a part of the history of the countries where it is a source for farmers, craftsmen, handicrafts owners, merchants, factory owners and food companies. Arts, skills and practices associated with engraving on metals (gold, silver and copper) + 2023 01951 Henna, rituals, aesthetic and social practices + 2024 02116A temporary tattooing practice with medicinal and aesthetic motivations. Semsemiah: instrument crafting and playing + 2024 02119 Semsemiah or simsimiyya is a box or bowl lyre played in the Suez Canal region. Koshary, daily life dish and practices associated with it 2025 02278 Koshary is a traditional Egyptian staple, mixing pasta, Egyptian fried rice, vermicelli and brown lentils, and topped with chickpeas, a garlicky tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions.
Elements in Need of Urgent Safeguarding Name Year No. Description Traditional hand puppetry 2018 01376 Al-Aragoz is an old Egyptian theatre using traditional hand puppetry. Handmade weaving in Upper Egypt (Sa'eed) 2020 01605
See also List of World Heritage Sites in Egypt
Notes
References
External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Egypt: Official site