Iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, has been added
to the United Nations’ list of intangible cultural treasures.
On Wednesday, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Iran jointly presented an application to the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation for the sociocultural tradition.
“Iftar (also called Eftari or Iftor) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan, upon
completion of all religious and ceremonial rites,” said UNESCO.
Iftar, which comes after the call to prayer at dusk during Ramadan, is linked with gatherings “strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity, and social exchange,” according to the statement.
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has
been meeting in Botswana since Monday, validated the age-old community ritual.
It is common in several Muslim nations to commemorate iftar by eating a date with tea. Recipes for foods and
pastries, on the other hand, vary widely per country.
According to the United Nations, & the iftar practice is typically transmitted within families, and
children and youth are often entrusted with preparing components of traditional meals.
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