In the heart of northwestern Morocco, Sahar is deeply immersed in her family’s business, which revolves around crafting and selling the traditional Moroccan caftan. With roots tracing back to at least the 16th century, the caftan has long been a symbol of cultural pride and significance in Morocco.
While the caftan’s designs have evolved to reflect modern fashion trends, it remains a cherished garment worn by men, women, and children alike. Sahar elaborates on its importance, highlighting the variety of styles: “The Moroccan caftan is a traditional official costume of Morocco, characterized by its variety of shapes. There’s the Djellaba, the Qamis, the Gandoura, and also the Caftan, which consists of one piece, and the Takchita, which is made of two pieces. Let’s not forget the bride’s Caftan, which can include three or four pieces.”
The creation of these garments is no simple task. Embellished with intricate embroidery, the sewing process can take up to 15 days. Despite the effort required, Sahar and other designers are committed to preserving this rich tradition while infusing it with contemporary touches to captivate younger generations.
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Morocco’s authorities are currently working toward having the caftan recognized as an element of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Historians like Mohamed Es-semmar emphasize the importance of this step in safeguarding the country’s traditions. “The Moroccan caftan is distinguished by a unique feature that sets it apart from other Arab and Islamic countries, especially in the Islamic West. This distinctiveness has driven Morocco to take the step of registering the caftan with UNESCO,” he explains.
Es-semmar also notes that Morocco has already added various cultural treasures, such as Aita and Malhoun music, to UNESCO’s heritage list. The inclusion of the caftan would further enrich this growing collection and solidify its status as a cornerstone of Moroccan identity.
With the registration anticipated in 2025, hopes are high among designers and historians alike. Sahar and others see this as an opportunity to not only honor the caftan’s legacy but also inspire future generations to embrace and celebrate its timeless elegance.
