Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which runs from 28 November to 3 December 2022 in Rabat (Morocco), became a significant cultural event for Uzbekistan. Within the framework of the session, two multinational elements with the participation of the Uzbek side were included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The first file titled "Sericulture and traditional production of silk for weaving" was prepared by Uzbekistan together with Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkiye. The second nomination is called "Traditions of retelling the parables of Khoja Nasreddin", worked out by the Uzbek side together with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkiye.

The evaluation commission of the Committee highly appreciated the joint work of the states involved in the preparation of nomination documents, and noted their compliance with all criteria for inclusion in the Representative List.

“Under the leadership of the head of our state, systematic work is being carried out to preserve and enhance the rich intangible cultural heritage of our country. The inclusion of two more traditions in the UNESCO list is a vivid proof of this,” said Aziz Abdukhakimov, Vice Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO. “It is necessary to separately note the merits of the permanent representative of Uzbekistan to UNESCO Umid Shadiev.”

During the presentation of the nominations, videos were shown that reveal in detail the historical role and significance of the elements in enriching cultures, supporting local economies, strengthening mutual respect and intercultural dialogue. The participants paid special attention to the traditional silk production technologies and the significant efforts made in Uzbekistan in recent years to develop sericulture. A unique monument to Khoja Nasreddin, erected in the city of Bukhara, which is considered a popular and beloved character of folklore among the population, aroused considerable interest.

Thus, the total number of elements of Uzbekistan included in the Representative List has reached 11. Previously, this list included "Bakhshi", "Lazgi", "Palov", "Askia", "Miniature", "Navruz", "Shoshmakom" and others Margilan Crafts Development Center for the preservation of traditional technologies for the manufacture of atlas and adras is included in the Register of Excellence for the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Like the previous files, the new elements will now be characterized internationally as an integral part of the heritage of all mankind, which serves to significantly increase the recognition and wide promotion of these types of intangible cultural heritage. For its part, UNESCO also undertakes to assist in the protection and promotion of these elements, incl. through the implementation of various technical and grant support projects.

The session will last until 3 December 2022.