UNESCO Recognizes Lebanese ‘Manousheh’ as Intangible Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO officially recognized the “Manousheh” on Wednesday, acknowledging its place on the list of intangible cultural heritage, and described it as an element “deeply ingrained in Lebanese identity.”

During meetings in Kasane, northern Botswana, the International Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage decided to include the renowned dough topped with thyme and baked in an oven or on a “saj” (griddle) in the list of intangible heritage of humanity. This decision followed Lebanon’s submission of a request in March 2022.

UNESCO characterized Manousheh as a “flatbread crafted in both homes and specialized bakeries, cherished by people from diverse backgrounds in Lebanon as a breakfast staple.”

The organization underscored that the preparation of the dough involves prayers, with Muslims reciting the initial verses of Surah Al-Fatiha and Christians incorporating prayers and the sign of the cross.

Highlighting Manousheh’s “symbolic significance in Lebanon,” UNESCO emphasized that it is deeply intertwined with identity, evoking the flavors associated with traditional morning gatherings, known as ‘Sabahiyat,’ which play a pivotal role in social interactions.

Boujat Rizk, the cultural attache at the Lebanese mission to UNESCO, conveyed to Agence France-Presse: “Manousheh transcends religious affiliations, carrying symbolic importance that mirrors the shared life among the Lebanese.” He added that “establishments producing Manousheh are ubiquitous across Lebanon.”

Manousheh is baked in metal or stone ovens made of refractory bricks or on a concave metal griddle. It features toppings such as thyme and oil or a combination with cheese, and at times includes various vegetables. It is commonly enjoyed with labneh.

Despite Lebanon facing an unparalleled economic and financial crisis since 2019, Manousheh remains one of the most economically accessible Lebanese foods. Its cost has risen from around 750 Lebanese pounds (about half a dollar when the exchange rate was 1,500 pounds to the US dollar) to an average of 90,000 pounds (approximately one dollar at the current rate).

UNESCO emphasized that “the sale of Manousheh in small bakeries contributes to the development of the local economy.” Moreover, Lebanese bakeries and eateries offering Manousheh have proliferated globally, a testament to the widespread presence of the Lebanese diaspora.