UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
 
 
An international "Convention for protection of the world cultural and natural heritage" was adopted in 1972 during the 17th session of the UNESCO General conference and also the formation of the World heritage list was starting. It included unique natural or man-made objects of special cultural, having historical or environmental significance for their promotion and preservation. Almost 200 countries have now joined to the Convention.
 
Currently, there are more than 1,500 sites in the World heritage list in 170 countries.
 
World heritage list includes 5 unique objects of Uzbekistan:
 
The fortress city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva (XIV-XIXc);
Historical center of ancient Bukhara (IX-XVc);  
Historical center of Shakhrisabz (XIV-XVIc);
 Samarkand, founded in the VIII century BC - the city of crossroads of cultures;
and a natural site – Chatkal reserve.
 
But the heritage of mankind is not only architectural monuments and natural landscapes. Music, dance, festivals, crafts, oral folk art and rituals adorn any culture, make the world brighter, fill life with colors.
 
Each nation and state has its own customs and traditions, has its own special holidays and rituals that are passed down from generation to generation.
 
Exactly this intangible cultural heritage has attracted the attention of UNESCO, which adopted the Convention for its protection in 2003. The special feature of heritage sites is their connection with nature and history, cultural diversity, creativity, and passing from generation to generation.
 
The list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan includes:
 
A variety of vocal and instrumental music of SHASHMAKOM;
Uzbek traditional singing in Ferghana valley of KATTA ASHULA;
Cultural space of the unique ethnographic district of BOYSUN in Surkhandarya region;
Uzbek art of folk wit ASKIA;
Traditions of cooking Uzbek PILAF;
Khorezm dance LYAZGI;
Eastern festival of spring and awakening of nature NAVRUZ.