Iran seeks to nominate the tradition of making Mudhif, which is a traditional arched structure made of reed and cane, for inclusion in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage register.
Earlier this month, the time-honored tradition which is shared with Iraq’s people in neighboring Iran’s Khuzestan province, gained UNESCO status for Iraq during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A Mudhif (or Al-Mudif) is a relatively large ceremonial house for use by guests or as a gathering place for weddings, funerals, etc.
On Saturday, an official with Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage revealed recent discussions with Iraqi officials to address a joint UNESCO registration for Mudhif, focusing on the cultural ties between the Arab people of Khuzestan and shared cultural heritage between the two nations.
The Arab people of Khuzestan are renowned for their unique culture of hospitality, parts of which are epitomized in constructing Mudhif structures, the official said.
Mudhif is a large arched building made of reed and papyrus, both of which grow naturally in the marshes of southwest Iran and southern Iraq.
The building serves as a gathering place where members of the community can exchange, address conflicts, share experiences, tell stories, and practice cultural activities and social rituals such as weddings, circumcisions, religious ceremonies, and national celebrations.
According to the UN cultural body, Mudhif is also viewed as a space for transmitting traditional knowledge, values, handicraft skills, norms, and customs to children and young people.
“It is a place to welcome visitors and guests from within and outside of Iraq. The structures are built by skilled workers and managed by tribal sheiks, but the entire community plays a part in the creation and maintenance of the space, such as by collecting the reeds and weaving the mats and rugs that are used as mattresses inside the building.”
The traditional customs and handicraft skills related to constructing Mudhif are transmitted informally through hands-on practice and participation in cultural activities.
According to Iran’s tourism minister, Ezzatollah Zarghami, the ancient country ranks 5th in the world for the amount of intangible cultural heritage registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.