Iraqis play the traditional Ramadan game of Muheibis, one of the four cultural practices newly added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Iraq celebrates addition of four living traditions to UNESCO heritage list
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities said Thursday that four Iraqi cultural traditions have been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list: the bisht, the zaffa, the muheibis game and traditional Arabic kohl.
The ministry said the bisht is a traditional wool cloak worn by men on formal occasions, the zaffa is a wedding procession marked by music and celebration, the muheibis game is a Ramadan tradition in which teams guess who is hiding a ring, and Arabic kohl is a natural eyeliner used for beauty and eye protection that is rooted in long-standing cultural practice.
Fadel Mohammed al-Badrani, the ministry’s undersecretary for cultural affairs, congratulated Iraq on what he described as “a cultural achievement,” saying the additions reflect support from Minister Ahmed Fakak al-Badrani to strengthen Iraq’s cultural presence internationally. He credited the Center for the Protection and Preservation of Heritage and the Department of Cultural Relations, with assistance from Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) experts, for preparing the submissions.
Al-Badrani said listing the muheibis game recognizes renewed Ramadan rituals in neighborhoods, while Iraq’s role in the bisht file highlights the skills and practices related to its craftsmanship and wear. He said Iraq also supported the file on traditional kohl as a deep-rooted aesthetic and health practice, and presented the diverse forms of the zaffa found across Iraqi communities.
He said the inclusion of the four elements “reflects Iraq’s standing as the home of some of the world’s oldest civilizations” and shows that “a nation that preserves its heritage and documents its cultural memory is a living nation capable of connecting its past to its present and shaping a better future.”
The announcement comes as Iraq marks another UNESCO milestone. On Dec. 8, 2025, the University of Dhi Qar said Nasiriyah had become the first Iraqi city to join UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities, part of a group of 72 new members selected for promoting lifelong learning. The university said the achievement followed guidance from the Ministry of Higher Education and the work of specialized teams to meet UNESCO’s criteria, describing it as a milestone for Iraq and for Dhi Qar governorate.
University President Kamal Hamid al-Yasiri said the designation strengthens lifelong learning in the governorate and reflects international recognition of local institutions, praising the efforts of academic staff involved in preparing the file. UNESCO said Nasiriyah’s inclusion highlights the city’s role in expanding learning opportunities for all residents, noting that the network now includes 425 cities in 91 countries.