The international intergovernmental committee tasked with safeguarding cultural heritage has accepted the nomination of Arabic coffee to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity Representative List. In a meeting with international delegates attending in Windhoek, Namibia, on Wednesday, UNESCO made 20 new additions to the list, including North Korean kimchi, classical horsemanship in Austria, folk dances in Peru and Romania and a Namibian fruit festival.
Announcing the nominations, Unesco said Arabic coffee is a symbol of generosity. “Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies”.
A symbol of generosity
Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and considered a ceremonial act of generosity.
Traditionally, coffee is prepared in front of guests. Coffee-making begins with the selection of beans, which are lightly roasted in a shallow pan over a fire, then placed into a copper mortar and pounded with a copper pestle.
The coffee grounds are placed into a large copper coffee pot; water is added and the pot is placed on the fire. Once brewed, it is poured into a smaller coffee pot from which it is poured into small cups.
The most important or oldest guest is served first, filling a quarter of the cup, which can then be refilled. Common practice is to drink at least one cup but not exceed three.
Arabic coffee is made and enjoyed by men and women from all segments of society, particularly in the home.
The sheikhs and heads of tribes who serve Arabic coffee in their meeting spaces, elderly Bedouin men and women and owners of coffee trading shops are considered the main bearers. Knowledge and traditions are passed on within the family through observation and practice.
Young family members also accompany their elders to the market to learn how to select the best coffee beans.
