UNESCO Recognizes Egyptian Koshari as Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2025

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially added "Egyptian Koshari" to its representative list of intangible cultural heritage during the ongoing intergovernmental committee meeting in New Delhi, India.

This entry marks the eleventh element registered by Egypt on the UNESCO lists for intangible cultural heritage, according to an official statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

In response to this announcement, Egyptian Culture Minister Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henu expressed his satisfaction with the decision, calling it a "new affirmation of the importance of Egyptian heritage and its capacity for inspiration and renewal, as well as the appreciation by the international community for this heritage preserved by Egyptians over the years."

The Minister added that the inclusion of "Egyptian Koshari" reflects the interest in the daily culture of Egyptians, which is a crucial part of their identity. He stated, "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 registered, reflecting the spirit of participation and diversity within Egyptian society."

The Minister also emphasized that this achievement embodies the success of national efforts to document and safeguard heritage, as the Ministry continues to support all elements worthy of preservation and promote collaboration with local communities and custodians of this heritage.

Dr. Nahla Imam, the Culture Minister's advisor for intangible heritage and Egypt's representative at UNESCO, thanked the intergovernmental committee for their support following the official announcement of the registration.

In her address, she remarked, "This inclusion 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 collaboration with the groups and individuals who practice this element daily, allowing us to highlight its diversity, richness, and role as a cohesive social element that reflects a continuous connection within natural and social environments."

She also expressed gratitude to the evaluation committee and the UNESCO agreement secretariats for their efforts and ongoing support, emphasizing that such support "strengthens Egypt's capacity to continue its efforts to protect and preserve its heritage."