Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- From 4 to 9 December 2023, the 18th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held in Kasane, Botswana. Socio-cultural traditions associated with “multinational nominations” are included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage nominations.

Three nominations from Uzbekistan were included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with the general approval of the Committee on 6 December 2023.

The multinational nomination “Tazhib/Painting: Decorative Arts” was prepared by the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2020 together with specialists from the Abulqasim Madrasah and experts from Iran, Tajikistan and Turkey.

“The inclusion of our multicultural nominations in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage not only reflects deep respect and recognition of the uniqueness of our cultural heritage, but also highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue and cooperation. “Tazheeb/Painting: Decorative Arts” and “Iftar and Associated Socio-Cultural Traditions” not only symbolize the richness and diversity of our history and traditions, but also serve as a bridge between generations and cultures, strengthening the common values of peace, kindness and solidarity. It is a great honor and responsibility for us to continue to preserve, develop and pass on these values to future generations.” – Gayane Umerova, Chairman of the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO.

Painting, the art of decorating books, is a unique type of decorative and applied art in Uzbekistan. It was widely used as a decoration for the pages of manuscripts and objects of palace life in the Middle Ages in Movaraunnahr (Uzbekistan) and in India during the reign of Babur.

Some miniaturists, calligraphers, painters and restorers use the art of painting in modern Uzbekistan. This technique is used to decorate religious books, manuscripts and create miniatures.

In collaboration with the Office of Muslims of Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, the Secretariat of the National Commission prepared and presented the nomination “Iftar and related socio-cultural traditions” in 2020. Traditions associated with Iftar promote socialization between people, forming "cohesion", help strengthen feelings of kindness in the hearts of people, promote mutual peace and solidarity, and strengthen friendship between peoples as an element of intangible cultural heritage.

Also at the meeting, it was decided to include the nomination “Ceramic Art of Uzbekistan” in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The nomination was prepared by the Secretariat of the National Commission together with the Ragimov pottery workshop and presented in 2022.

Pottery is one of the oldest and most interesting types of folk art in Uzbekistan. There are many main schools and centers of pottery in our country, these are Rishton, Bukhara, Gurumsaray, Tashkent, Khorezm, Samarkand and Kashkadarya pottery schools. These pottery schools differ from each other in the way they make products, patterns, colors and shapes.

The formation of new elements of Uzbekistan as an integral part of the Representative List is a clear confirmation of UNESCO’s recognition of their civilizational and universal heritage.

Now these elements will be under the protection of the Organization, which undertakes to take appropriate measures to promote their protection and promotion. This will also significantly increase the recognition and popularity of the elements, and will contribute to the growth of interest in them from the local public, expert circles and foreign audiences.

What happens to objects after they are added to the lists?

The protection of intangible cultural heritage is the responsibility of States Parties to the Convention. Developing countries have the opportunity to apply for international assistance to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund. The decision to award a grant is made by the Committee (or its Presidium in the case of amounts up to US$100,000).

There is also a continuous monitoring process. Every four years, States Parties are required to submit a report to the Committee on the status of elements on the Urgent Conservation List, which should include an assessment of the actual status of the element, the impact of conservation plans, and community participation in the implementation of those plans. States Parties must also provide information on public institutions and organizations involved in conservation efforts.

In addition, every six years, States Parties must submit periodic reports on the measures taken to implement the Convention, in which they must report on the current status of all elements present in their territory and included in the Representative List. These detailed reports provide information on the viability and measures taken to preserve the included items.

What is the impact of listing items on communities and states?

Including items on the list will help draw attention to the significance of intangible cultural heritage due to the visibility it has. Just a few years ago, the term “intangible cultural heritage” was vague and mysterious. Media coverage at the time of listing and thereafter helps to popularize the concept and mobilize a growing number of stakeholders, providing positive recognition of the fundamental importance of this form of heritage to social cohesion.