"Manousheh is cross-community"

UNESCO announced on Wednesday that it has inscribed "manousheh," an "iconic culinary practice" of Lebanon, on the intangible heritage of humanity.

The inclusion of the famous "flatbread topped with a mixture of thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and olive oil" was approved by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, meeting in Botswana since Monday.

Manousheh, the "quintessence of the Lebanese breakfast," is prepared "in homes and specialized bakeries and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds," explains UNESCO, adding that "during the dough preparation, practitioners pray for it to rise."

"Muslims recite the beginning of the Fatiha, and Christians recite several prayers and make the sign of the cross before letting the dough rest."

"Manousheh is cross-community; it reflects a symbolism, which is coexistence among the Lebanese," said Bahjat Rizk, the cultural attaché at the Permanent Delegation of Lebanon to UNESCO, to AFP.

"Bakeries preparing this dish are spread across the entire territory," he added.

"Manousheh remains one of the least expensive options in a country hit by an unprecedented socio-economic crisis since 2019."

Its preparation for sale in small bakeries "also contributes to local economic development," according to UNESCO.

It is also highly popular abroad thanks to the Lebanese diaspora.