Home UNESCO Lists Intangible Cultural Heritage Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity

Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity

Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity

Serving Arabic coffee is an integral part of the traditions of hospitality in Arab societies in general and the Gulf in particular, as it is considered a festive tradition that expresses generosity and a warm reception. Arabic coffee is prepared in front of the guests, as this begins with selecting coffee beans that are lightly roasted in a shallow pan over the fire, then placed in a copper mortar and pounded with a copper pestle as well.
After that, the ground coffee is placed in a large copper coffee pot, water is added to it and the pot is placed on the fire; Then, once the brewing is done, the coffee is poured into a smaller pot and then poured into small cups. Coffee is served first for the most important or the oldest guest, filling a quarter of the cup, and can then be refilled.
The knowledge and traditions of Arabic coffee are transmitted within the family through observation and practice. Young family members also accompany the elderly to the market to learn how to choose the best coffee beans.
Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity was inscribed in 2015 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.
by Canbel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Elph, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
by Wikiemirati, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arabic Coffee, a Symbol of Generosity

Date of Inscription

2015

See also

Arabic Calligraphy: Knowledge, Skills and Practices Date Palm, Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices Majlis, a Cultural and Social Space Al-Bar’ah, Music and Dance of Oman Dhofari Valleys Al ‘azi, Elegy, Processional March and Poetry Horse and Camel Ardhah Al-Taghrooda, Traditional Bedouin Chanted Poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman Al-Ayyala, a Traditional Performing Art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates Al-Razfa, a Traditional Performing Art Camel Racing, a Social Practice and a Festive Heritage Associated with Camels Al-Khanjar, Craft Skills and Social Practices Alheda’a, Oral Traditions of Calling Camel Flocks Harees dish: Know-How, Skills and Practices Falconry, a Living Human Heritage Traditional Weaving of Al Sadu Alardah Alnajdiyah, Dance, Drumming and Poetry in Saudi Arabia Almezmar, Drumming and Dancing with Sticks Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, Female Traditional Interior Wall Decoration in Asir Knowledge and Practices Related to Cultivating Khawlani Coffee Beans Arts, Skills and Practices Associated with Engraving on Metals (Gold, Silver and Copper) Al Sadu, Traditional Weaving Skills in the United Arab Emirates Al Azi, Art of Performing Praise, Pride and Fortitude Poetry Al Aflaj, Traditional Irrigation Network System in the UAE, Oral Traditions, Knowledge and Skills of Construction, Maintenance and Equitable Water Distribution Al Talli, Traditional Embroidery Skills in the United Arab Emirates

Related Links

UNESCO Lists Archaelogical Sites in Oman World Heitage Sites in Oman Tentative Lists in Oman Archaelogical Sites in Qatar World Heitage Sites in Qatar Tentative Lists in Qatar Archaelogical Sites in Saudi Arabia World Heitage Sites in Saudi Arabia Tentative Lists in Saudi Arabia Archaelogical Sites in UAE World Heitage Sites in UAE Tentative Lists in UAE