Morocco reportedly files complaint with UNESCO over Algeria’s inclusion of caftan in cultural heritage claim

According to the Moroccan online news site Hespress, Morocco has filed an official complaint with UNESCO regarding Algeria's request to add the caftan to its intangible heritage list.

Algeria made the request last year, reportedly including a photograph of a type of caftan called ntaa, which Morocco claims as part of its cultural heritage. The caftan ntaa, a velvet garment with gold embroidery originating in Fez, is traditionally worn by brides on the eve of their wedding day.

Morocco's complaint reportedly requests the removal of the caftan image, asserting that the caftan depicted in the photograph was stolen from a museum in Amsterdam and rightfully belongs to Morocco.

This complaint is part of an ongoing cultural heritage dispute between Morocco and Algeria, specifically concerning the caftan. Morocco argues that the caftan is a uniquely Moroccan garment with a rich history and cultural significance, while Algeria has sought to claim it as part of its own heritage.

The caftan is believed to have originated in Persia before being adopted by various cultures in Asia and North Africa. There are many different types of caftan.