UNESCO recognizes the Rubab as an intangible cultural heritage

The art of crafting and playing the rubab has been officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Dunyo reported this milestone.

The inclusion was announced during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from December 2 to 7. Uzbekistan, along with other Central Asian nations, spearheaded the nomination for the Rubab's recognition.

On December 4 the UNESCO committee praised the rubab as one of the oldest musical instruments of Central, South, and South-West Asia, underscoring its role as a unifying cultural element in the region.

"This art fosters cultural and social cohesion, strengthening exchanges and solidarity among communities. It also contributes to quality education, gender equality, and sustainable development," the committee noted.

Additionally, the committee acknowledged efforts by the initiative countries to preserve, promote, and popularize the rubab at both national and international levels.

"The art of the rubab now marks the 16th heritage element from Uzbekistan to be included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List," the report states.

Related Note: Recently, UNESCO also added Kazakhstan's "Betashar" ceremony to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.