UNESCO Lists "Egyptian Koshari" as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today, Wednesday, included "Egyptian Koshari" in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, during the proceedings of the governmental committee for intangible heritage held in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

This registration represents the eleventh element that Egypt has recorded in UNESCO's intangible heritage lists, according to an official statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

On this occasion, the Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, expressed his happiness with this decision, describing it as "a new confirmation of the status of Egyptian heritage and its ability to inspire and renew, and of the international community's appreciation for this heritage that Egyptians have preserved over the years."

The minister added that the inclusion of "Egyptian Koshari" reflects the interest in the culture of the daily life of Egyptians, which represents an integral part of their identity, explaining: "Koshari is the first Egyptian dish to be registered, and in the coming years, more elements related to social and cultural practices passed down through generations will be recorded, expressing the spirit of sharing and diversity within Egyptian society."

The minister also confirmed that this achievement embodies the success of national efforts in documenting and protecting heritage, while continuing to support all heritage elements and enhancing cooperation with local communities and those who carry this heritage.

For her part, Dr. Nahla Imam, advisor to the Minister of Culture for intangible heritage and Egypt's representative at UNESCO, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the governmental committee for intangible heritage following the official announcement of the registration.

In her speech on behalf of the Egyptian delegation, she stated: "This listing reflects Egypt's ongoing commitment to work with practitioners within local communities and for them," noting that the preparation of the nomination file was based on "close cooperation with the groups and individuals who practice this element daily, which allowed for the highlighting of its diversity, richness, and its role as a unifying social element that reflects continuous communication within natural and social environments."

She added that this achievement is "the result of a long effort that began with the practitioners themselves who initiated the nomination," thanking "the Koshari restaurants and every Egyptian woman who preserves the method of preparing Koshari and passes it on to her children," considering that "everyone is partners in this global recognition."

She also expressed her gratitude to the evaluation committee and the UNESCO Convention Secretariat for their efforts and ongoing support, emphasizing that such support "enhances Egypt's ability to continue its efforts in preserving and protecting its heritage."