Ten Elements are Now Inscribed by Tunisia on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
The latest addition follows Tunisia's inscription of Arabic kohl on this list, along with Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (December 8-13, 2025) in New Delhi, India.
The Ten Elements Inscribed by Tunisia on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- "Arabic kohl" (Arabic file - 2025)
- "Henna: rituals, aesthetics, and social practices" (Arabic file - 2024)
- "The performing arts of the Twāyef of Ghbonten" (Tunisian file - 2024)
- "The arts, skills, and practices associated with metal engraving (gold, silver, and copper)" (Arabic file - 2023)
- "Harissa, knowledge, skills, and culinary and social practices" (Tunisian file - 2022)
- "Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills, and practices" (Arabic file - 2021)
- "Fishing with a charfiya in the Kerkennah Islands" (Tunisian file - 2020)
- "Knowledge, skills, and practices related to the production and consumption of couscous" (Maghrebi file - 2020)
- "Knowledge associated with the date palm" (Arabic file - 2019)
- "The pottery-making skills of Sejnane" (Tunisian file - 2018)
Kohl is a fine black powder used as eyeliner by people of all genders, serving not only as a cosmetic but also as protection against wind, sand, and sun. Present in daily life, special occasions, and religious rituals, it is made from natural ingredients, with preparation varying depending on local environments and lifestyles.
Kohl is made at home or during gatherings, mainly by women who pass on the associated knowledge and skills to their daughters and granddaughters, according to UNESCO. In Tunisia, the vernacular names are Al khôl / Al khôl al ‘arbi.
Arabic kohl is generally stored in decorative containers called "makhala," which are often passed down as family heirlooms. The practice is also transmitted through oral traditions, community events, schools, and cultural institutions.
In addition to being a symbol of community identity and a key element of daily beauty routines, kohl is used as a remedy for physical and spiritual healing. It encourages dialogue and fosters fruitful exchanges between nations and between women's communities.
Eyes made up with kohl also constitute a strong form of feminine expression, particularly in societies where only the eyes are visible due to face concealment.
Note that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is preparing a nomination file to inscribe the Tunisian Jebba on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This nomination constitutes international recognition of the value of this traditional costume as one of the most important symbols of national identity and collective memory for all Tunisians.
Indeed, the inscription of the Jebba will reinforce Tunisia's cultural influence and contribute to the preservation of this heritage for future generations.
As a reminder, UNESCO is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication to foster peace in the world. The Organization provides essential services to its member states, establishing global standards and norms, developing tools for international cooperation, producing knowledge for public policies, and building global networks of sites and institutions inscribed on its lists.
