The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines intangible cultural heritage elements as non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The term intangible cultural heritage is formally established by the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. The inscription of new heritage elements on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists for protection and safeguarding is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organization established by the Convention. Kyrgyzstan ratified the Convention on 6 November 2006. It has served on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee from 2012 to 2016.

National lists are required by the Convention for the further nomination of elements to the UNESCO lists.

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity consists of three lists: the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. Kyrgyzstan has elements inscribed on all the lists.

Representative List This list aims to represent the intangible cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan worldwide and bring awareness to its significance.

+ Name Media Year Description Art of Akyns, Kyrgyz epic tellers 2008 00065 Kyrgyz epic trilogy: Manas, Semetey, Seytek 2013 00876 Aitysh/Aitys, art of improvisation 2015 00997 Flatbread making and sharing culture: Lavash, Katyrma, Jupka, Yufka 2016 01181 Kok boru, traditional horse game 2017 01294 Ak-kalpak craftsmanship, traditional knowledge and skills in making and wearing Kyrgyz men’s headwear 2019 01496 Traditional intelligence and strategy game: Togyzqumalaq, Toguz Korgool, Mangala/Göçürme 2020 01597 Falconry, a living human heritage 2021 01708 Telling tradition of Nasreddin Hodja/ Molla Nesreddin/ Molla Ependi/ Apendi/ Afendi Kozhanasyr Anecdotes 2022 01705 Elechek, Kyrgyz female headwear: traditional knowledge and rituals 2023 01985 Midwifery: knowledge, skills and practices 2023 01968 Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz 2024 02097 Traditional knowledge and cultural contexts of making Maksym, a traditional Kyrgyz beverage 2024 01746 Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Karakalpak yurts (Turkic nomadic dwellings) 2025 02284

Need of Urgent Safeguarding This list covers elements that are endangered and thus require appropriate safeguarding. + Name Media Year DescriptionAla-kiyiz and Shyrdak, art of Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets201200693

Register of Good Safeguarding Practices This list accredits programs and projects that safeguard intangible cultural heritage and express the principles of the Convention. + Name Media Year Description Nomad games, rediscovering heritage, celebrating diversity 2021 01738

See also List of World Heritage Sites in Kyrgyzstan Culture of Kyrgyzstan Tourism in Kyrgyzstan

Notes

References

External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kyrgyzstan: Official site