Saudi Arabia’s world-renowned Taif rose has gained a new global recognition, featuring among the UNESCO list for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
On Tuesday, the Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Heritage Commission, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, announced that Saudi Arabia has successfully inscribed the cultural practices related to Taif roses on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Presence
Prince Badr emphasized that the Saudi leadership’s unwavering support to the culture sector has enhanced the global presence of the Kingdom’s culture, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
🔴 BREAKING
New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Cultural practices related to Taif roses, #SaudiArabia🇸🇦.
Congratulations!https://t.co/NrLCcg15Sf #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/suwXoio4YH
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 3, 2024
Furthermore, he noted that this registration highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve the intangible cultural heritage, ensure its sustainability and pass it from generation to the other.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
With the addition of Taif roses, Saudi Arabia’s presence on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List has expanded. The UNESCO list includes other Saudi elements, such as Alardah, Majlis, Arabic coffee, falconry, Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, date palm, Sadu weaving, Arabic calligraphy, Alheda’a, Khawlani coffee, metal engraving, and the Harees dish.
Another item recognized on the list is Henna rituals, aesthetic and social practices. This comes after 16 countries from the Middle East and North Africa submitted traditional Henna practices to be included to the list. These countries include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Palestine, Algeria, Morocco, and Oman.
Taif Rose: A Fragrant Tradition
Taif roses and Henna have a great cultural and social significance and have been woven into the fabric of societies. The cultivation and harvest of Taif roses have become integral to daily activities of Taif people.
Growing in places such as Al-Hada Mountains, Wadi Muharram, Wadi Ghazal, Wadi Qawah, Bilad Tuwairq, and Al-Shifa, Taif roses have a significant economic value for local communities and have become a historic symbol. Products related to Taif roses, including rose water and essential oils, are central elements of social events and local traditions.
Each year, the Taif Rose Festival celebrates the delicate roses through a variety of events that showcase the Taif rose’s products and highlight its cultural significance.
Henna: A Symbol of Joy
Meanwhile, Henna symbolizes joy, celebration and beauty in the MENA region. It is a tree that grows in hot regions. Its dry leaves are grounded and processed to make a paste.
Women use the Henna paste to dye their hair, color their nails, or adorn their hands and feet. It is very popular in weddings, festivals, as well as special occasions. Moreover, the branches, leaves and past of Henna have other uses, such as the treatment of certain skin diseases.
