Kohl Makeup Takes Center Stage on UNESCO's Cultural Heritage List

Kohl makeup, a centuries-old cosmetic tradition used daily by millions across the Arab world, has been officially recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, placing it alongside Italian home cooking, Icelandic swimming pools and other living cultural practices celebrated worldwide.

The announcement comes as UNESCO adds dozens of traditions to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, a designation that often boosts global awareness and tourism while highlighting practices rooted in everyday community life.

More than 60 new cultural elements were added this year after 77 countries submitted nominations, underscoring growing international competition for inclusion on the prestigious list.

Kohl makeup recognised as living cultural practice

Among the newly recognised traditions is Arabic kohl, the traditional black eyeliner used by both women and men for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.

“Al Kohl is applied by women and men alike,” wrote Abdurrahman Abdulrazaq Jassim, a herbal shop owner in Iraq, in a submission supporting the nomination. He noted that many people use it daily and also for “medical purposes.”

UNESCO’s recognition highlights kohl not just as a beauty product, but as a cultural practice passed down through generations across the Middle East and beyond.

UNESCO calls recognition a form of cultural diplomacy

The decisions were made this week by a UNESCO committee meeting in New Delhi, with announcements released in stages through Thursday.

The recognition is a “magical” form of cultural diplomacy, Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for culture, said, noting the emotional reactions from communities whose traditions were selected.

“You can imagine how it gives us tears each time that we see those communities celebrating,” he said.

Since the list was launched in 2003, it has become one of the United Nations’ most widely supported conventions, with 185 countries now signed up.

Italian cooking joins global heritage list

Italy’s home cooking tradition also made this year’s list, with celebrations planned nationwide, including lighting up Rome’s Colosseum.

UNESCO described Italian cuisine as a “communal activity that emphasizes intimacy with food, respect for ingredients and shared moments around the table.”

Other food traditions recognised include Egyptian koshary, Tajikistan’s Sumanak, and handmade Japanese paper.

From Icelandic pools to wedding processions

UNESCO also recognised Iceland’s geothermal swimming pools, described as essential social spaces in towns across the country, as well as Deepavali, the Festival of Lights that originated in India.

Several traditions crossed national borders, including the Zaffa wedding procession, which received joint backing from Djibouti, Comoros, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania and the United Arab Emirates.

Balancing preservation and tourism

While UNESCO recognition can bring tourism and funding, critics warn of overexposure. Italian journalist Marco D’Eramo has described the phenomenon as “unescocide,” arguing that heritage listings can overwhelm communities with unsustainable tourism.

UNESCO officials say the goal is not to freeze traditions in time, but to keep them alive by engaging younger generations. From Ghana’s evolving High Life music to Swiss yodeling, the hope is that recognition will inspire renewed participation and cultural pride.

As kohl makeup joins the global heritage spotlight, UNESCO’s latest list reinforces a simple message: everyday traditions—whether applied around the eyes, cooked in kitchens, or shared in public pools—are worth protecting for generations to come.