Currently, the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is taking place in Paraguay's capital.

On December 4, the committee unanimously approved the nomination “The Art of Making and Playing the Rubab”, submitted by Uzbekistan together with other Central Asian countries, for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The committee highlighted the historical significance of the rubab as one of the oldest musical instruments in Central, South, and Southwest Asia. The instrument plays a crucial role in fostering cultural and social solidarity among the region’s peoples, promoting cultural exchange and unity.

It was noted that the art of playing the rubab also contributes to achieving goals like quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic development, and sustainability. Practical measures aimed at preserving, promoting, and further developing this art have been highly praised both nationally and internationally.

“The Art of Making and Playing the Rubab” has become the 16th element of intangible cultural heritage inscribed in UNESCO’s lists through Uzbekistan’s initiative.

Between 2008 and 2024, 16 elements of Uzbek intangible cultural heritage were included in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will continue until December 7.

Information: The UNESCO list includes:

• Shashmaqom
• The Cultural Space of Boysun
• Navruz
• Katta Ashula (The Great Song)
• The Art of Askiya
• The Culture and Traditions of Palov
• Khorezm Dance – Lazgi
• The Art of Miniature Painting
• The Art of Bakhshi
• Traditional Silk Weaving
• Anecdotes of Nasreddin Efendi
• Uzbek Ceramics Schools
• Iftar and Related Social-Cultural Traditions
• Book Ornamentation Art
• “Margilan Craftsmanship: Atlas and Adras Weaving Techniques”
• “The Art of Making and Playing the Rubab”.