Asuncion: The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), convened in Asuncion, Paraguay, has adopted a decision to include the Nablus soap making tradition from Palestine on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the decision, which was announced in a statement on Tuesday evening. The ministry emphasized the significance of this recognition in preserving Palestinian intangible cultural heritage on an international scale. This decision not only acknowledges Palestinian culture and its time-honored crafts but also provides protection against efforts to erase Palestinian cultural identity and historical narrative.
The ministry expressed gratitude to the member states that supported the State of Palestine amid the challeng
es posed by Israeli colonial occupation. Additionally, the committee recognized henna drawing and its associated traditions as a shared cultural element presented by several Arab countries. The statement also lauded the dedication and collaboration of national and international entities, including the Ministry of Culture and the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in preparing the nomination file and meeting UNESCO’s criteria for registration.
Nabulsi soap, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, is a symbol of Palestinian identity. The soap, which has been crafted for centuries in the city of Nablus, is known for its use of natural ingredients, particularly olive oil, and its traditional manufacturing techniques passed down through generations.
The ministry reiterated the importance of both tangible and intangible Palestinian cultural heritage as evidence of the deep-rooted connection of the Palestinian people to their land and history. It called upon the international co
mmunity to safeguard Palestinian heritage and culture from ongoing threats, urging action to uphold the Palestinian people’s rights, including their cultural rights.
