An Arab effort to include Besht on the UNESCO World Heritage List (Anatolia Agency)

Doha -

With its elegance and elegance, the bisht maintains its distinguished position as a traditional dress in the Gulf countries, as it is an important part of the cultural identity of the Gulf people and reflects the values ​​of authenticity and celebration of heritage.

The bisht is distinguished by its unique and diverse designs, and is worn on special occasions that reflect the heritage and social values ​​of the region.

In an attempt to preserve this important heritage, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other Arab countries are seeking to include it as an element of intangible cultural heritage on the list of cultural heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by preparing a joint Arab file and submitting it to the United Nations organization.

The bisht is a cloak worn by Arab men since ancient times, and it is still used in the Gulf countries. It is distinguished by its different colors, such as grey, black, brown, sand (beige), and white. The length of the bisht starts from the shoulder to the foot. It is a garment that does not have sleeves, but it has two openings for the hands to be inserted.

The bisht has emerged greatly internationally since the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, after the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, crowned Argentina national team star Lionel Messi with the bisht after lifting the World Cup.

Messi wearing the bisht in the World Cup final contributed to its global spread (Anatolia)

More than just clothes

In this regard, the Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, Ali Marafi, says that the bisht carries great importance as a cultural element that reflects an ancient heritage and history rooted in the culture of the Gulf region in general, and in the State of Qatar in particular, where this element is considered more than just a traditional dress, but rather a symbol. For the national identity and cultural heritage of the Qatari people.

Maarafi added, in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, that despite the great development witnessed by societies, the keenness of the people of the State of Qatar to preserve this element and adhere to wearing it on various official and social occasions and events is closely linked to customs and traditions.

He explained that its importance is not limited to Qatar only, but rather it is an integral part of the common Arab human heritage, as the Bisht reflects a rich history of tradition and authenticity, “By preserving this cultural heritage, we can ensure that the knowledge that we inherited and enjoy today is preserved for our children in the future.” ".

He explained that, with the aim of preserving this important historical heritage in the Gulf countries, the State of Qatar, in cooperation with the Qatari National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry of Culture, the Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ALECSO) and other concerned parties, worked to prepare the file for nomination of Basht for inclusion in the list of non-cultural heritage. material to UNESCO, explaining that these efforts have been shared with 8 other Arab countries.

He pointed out that the joint cooperation between these parties has resulted in the gathering of experiences and resources and the exchange of knowledge between various parties to present an integrated file that will contribute to enhancing the preservation of the Arab cultural heritage and disseminating it globally.

The Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science confirms that if the Gulf countries succeed in including Besht on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this will have many benefits, including strengthening the efforts made to preserve cultural heritage in the region, and thus contribute to achieving cultural sustainability through Transferring values ​​and traditions across generations.

Bisht has been in great demand since the end of the World Cup in Qatar 2022 (Anatolia)

An embodiment of Arab heritage

According to Marafi, the inclusion of the bisht also enhances cultural tourism in the region in general and Qatar in particular, which contributes to supporting the local economy and developing the tourism sector in a sustainable manner, in addition to enhancing community awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage of skills, knowledge and practices, and supporting efforts to preserve it. Cultural heritage and its transmission to future generations to achieve the sustainability of cultural heritage.

For his part, Director of the Culture Department at the Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Hamid Al-Nofali, says that the bisht is more than just a piece of clothing, as it carries within it a deep culture and high art. It is “an embodiment of our authentic Arab heritage and a symbol of our values ​​and identity,” pointing out that it expresses It is about craftsmanship and precision in manufacturing, and includes symbolic rituals that express the heritage and culture of Arab society.

Al-Nofali explained, in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, that wearing the bisht "gives us a sense of belonging and harmony with our cultural roots. It is a source of inspiration that carries deep meanings, and enhances the continuity and sustainability of our cultural heritage."

He pointed out that the meetings that took place in Doha to complete the work on the final formulation of the “Bisht” file were joint Arab work led by ALECSO and Qatar with the participation of a number of Arab countries, indicating that this work is the fruit of the efforts made by ALECSO to advance Arab culture by mobilizing the largest number of countries. In one file, which gives the file strength and enhances the chances of it being accepted by UNESCO.

Meeting of the Arab committee charged with finalizing the Al-Basht file (Qatari press)

Raise awareness

Al-Nofali believes that the inclusion of bisht on the UNESCO World Heritage List represents a global recognition of the importance of this distinctive cultural element, which contributes to placing Arab culture on the international front, and raising global awareness of the legacies of this culture, considering that this is a small part of the rich Arab heritage, and stresses the importance of cooperation. Arab countries to preserve this heritage.

Al-Nofali adds that the greater the number of Arab elements included on the UNESCO list, the greater our coverage of the cultural map of Arab countries and peoples, which enhances our sense of belonging and identity. This also encourages Arab countries to make more efforts to protect their cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.

In turn, Kuwaiti heritage researcher Saleh Khaled Al-Mesbah considered the Bisht to be one of the most prominent cultural symbols in the Gulf region, as it is characterized by a long history and ancient traditions. He expressed his hope that the efforts to include the Bisht on the UNESCO World Heritage List will succeed, thus enhancing global awareness of the Gulf cultural heritage and supporting the efforts. Preserving it and promoting it to the world.

In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Al-Mesbah recalled the scene in which the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, dressed Messi, the star of the Argentine national team, in a basht during his coronation ceremony with the World Cup title, considering that this gesture had a major role in promoting the basht. And introduce it to the world.

He pointed out that this gesture expressed the generosity of Arab hospitality, and also expressed Qatar's pride in its heritage and culture, adding that this gesture contributed to introducing the world to Arab culture and Qatari heritage, and helped change the stereotypical image of Arabs and Muslims, and it will also inspire future generations to be proud of their heritage and culture.

Source: Al Jazeera