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UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Eagles, Heritage, and History: A Glimpse into Kazakhstan’s Ancient Art of Falconry

Inspired by TCA’s coverage of the 2024 World Nomad Games and the incredible showcase of falconry events, I reflected on a visit to the Sunkar Entertainment Complex near Almaty, Kazakhstan. Established during the Soviet era, the complex was originally designed as a mountain retreat for workers, featuring saunas, horseback riding, skiing, and other snow sports. However, its defining feature today is the bird sanctuary founded in the 1990s to conserve the region's dwindling population of birds of prey. The sanctuary serves as both a conservation effort and an entertainment venue, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving natural heritage and creating an engaging visitor experience. A practice the beginnings of which are shrouded in mystery, many experts trace the origins of falconry back to the steppes of Mongolia, dating between 4000 and 6000 BCE. Bronze Age cave paintings suggest falconry was already established, and a third millennium BCE pottery shard from Tell Chuera, modern-day Syria, depicts a bird of prey. The oldest visuals of falcons, however, are etched into rocks from the Altai Mountains, spanning Central and East Asia, circa 1000 BCE. Finding information on falconry in Europe and the Middle East is easy, but uncovering its ties to Kazakhstan's nomadic traditions proves more challenging. A podcast featuring two generations of a Kazakh family from the Altai Mountains sheds light through oral traditions. This narrative highlights falconry as more than a sport – it's a historical bond between humans and birds of prey, offering profound insights into nomadic heritage. [caption id="attachment_29223" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Hunting with birds at the World Nomad Games, Astana, 2024; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The Golden Eagle, often called the "Empress of the Sky," holds a divine status in falconry. Renowned for its ability to stare directly at the sun without harm, it's a symbol of freedom and pride for the Kazakh people. The Kazakh language boasts a staggering vocabulary for falconry, exceeding 1,500 unique terms. Its importance is also immortalized on Kazakhstan's national flag, echoing the legacy of Genghis Khan, whose banner also featured an eagle at its center. This speaks to his passion for falconry, a tradition vividly documented by Marco Polo, who described eagle hunting with Khan's grandson as early as the 1100s. The bond between humans and birds was so blurred that in ancient times, a nursing mother could share her milk with golden eagle chicks, even when her own child faced food scarcity. The Siberian golden eagle, or burgut, is among the largest of its kind. The formidable females, favored for hunting, boast wingspans of two meters and talons stretching up to six centimeters. Weighing over six kilograms, these birds demand not just expertise but also exceptional strength and courage from their handlers. Female eagles are traditionally captured before they learn to fly – old enough to survive outside the nest, but still nest-bound. They’re considered larger and more reliable hunters once tamed compared to their smaller, less-predictable male counterparts. Breaking eagles is a foundational skill in falconry, requiring meticulous preparation and...

UNESCO Cultural Heritage Art and Culture Central Asian Art

Tajikistan Nominates National Game and Stories for UNESCO Heritage List

Tajikistan is advancing efforts to preserve its cultural heritage by proposing several national traditions for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage of Humanity list, according to Culture Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon. The National Commission for UNESCO is currently reviewing these nominations. One notable nomination is the traditional game nardbozi, similar to backgammon, which has been submitted jointly with Iran. Tajikistan is also seeking recognition for the folklore tales of One Thousand and One Nights and the Toki tradition, both of which reflect the rich oral storytelling heritage of the Tajik people. Aminzoda Abdufatto, director of the Research Institute of Culture and Information at the Tajik Ministry of Culture, emphasized that these proposals are part of a broader strategy to preserve Tajikistan’s cultural traditions while promoting them on the global stage. In 2024, Tajikistan successfully inscribed several cultural elements on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, including the Meҳrgon festival, a celebration of harvest and gratitude, and the art of playing the rubob, a stringed instrument central to the musical traditions of Tajikistan and neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. These recent initiatives underscore Tajikistan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and its collaboration with neighboring countries in safeguarding shared traditions. UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognizes cultural practices, knowledge, skills, and expressions that communities identify as part of their heritage. This recognition helps raise awareness of cultural diversity and encourages the protection and preservation of these traditions.

Education Technology UNESCO Artificial intelligence

Turkmenistan Explores Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Turkmenistan has taken a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system by hosting a scientific and practical conference. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education, the event marked progress in implementing the goals outlined in the “Roadmap of Cooperation for 2024-2025.” Key Discussions The conference explored critical aspects of applying AI in education. Topics included the development of education management information systems, improving teachers’ digital literacy, and adapting cutting-edge technologies to Turkmenistan’s specific conditions. Participants also presented a draft strategy for the development of AI in education and highlighted international platforms already in use in this field. Special emphasis was placed on the competencies required for both teachers and students to effectively work with AI. Experts noted that fostering such skills is essential in an increasingly digitalized society and workplace. They stressed that equipping young people with AI-related knowledge could significantly enhance their future professional prospects. Practical Implementation and Examples Turkmenistan is already incorporating AI into educational initiatives. A notable example was presented on October 4 in Ashgabat, where Selin Ataeva, a 12th-grade student at the Swiss School of Dubai and leader of a startup development team, showcased an AI-driven math learning platform. This innovative software adopts a personalized approach to education, catering particularly to students in rural and remote regions. By optimizing the learning process and improving access to quality education, the platform exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in bridging educational gaps. As Turkmenistan advances toward integrating AI into its education system, the conference highlighted the importance of aligning technology with local needs and preparing students and teachers for a digitally driven future. With initiatives like Ataeva’s math learning platform, the country demonstrates a commitment to using AI to enhance education accessibility and efficiency.

national traditions Culture UNESCO Cultural Heritage Art and Culture Central Asian Art

Kazakh Rituals Included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

The Kazakh wedding ritual of Betashar has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inclusion highlights the enduring beauty and cultural significance of Kazakhstan's ancient traditions. In this article, we explore the Betashar ritual, other celebrated customs, and the challenges posed by certain archaic practices in modern times. Betashar: Revealing the Bride's Face During the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, Betashar was officially added to the list of intangible cultural heritage. State Counselor Yerlan Karin announced the decision, which underscores Kazakhstan's commitment to preserving its rich cultural legacy. Kazakhstan ratified UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, pledging to protect and promote cultural traditions. Today, 13 Kazakh practices are on UNESCO’s list, including kiiz үi (yurt), kүi (instrumental music), aitys (improvised poetry duels), Nauryz (spring festival), kүres (wrestling), and togyzkymalak (a traditional board game). Betashar—literally "revealing the face"—is a wedding rite introducing the bride to her husband's family. Historically, the bride spent three days secluded with the women of her community before being ceremonially presented to her new family. Her face, hidden under a large cloth, was uncovered in front of the gathered relatives while a zhirshy (singer-improviser) performed the betashar zhyry, a song introducing the family members. In return, they pledged gifts to the couple. The ritual concluded with the bride serving tea to her in-laws. While modern weddings often simplify Betashar, its symbolic meaning remains deeply cherished. Preserving Other Traditions Another ritual presented to UNESCO is Salburyn, an ancient hunting custom. Hunters once gathered on horseback for multi-day expeditions, accompanied by falcons and hounds. These hunts began with feasts and competitions, emphasizing camaraderie and skill. Today, while hunting is less necessary, Salburyn is celebrated as part of cultural events, such as during the Nauryz festivities in Kyzylorda region. The custom of Tusau Kesu—cutting a child’s “fetters”—is a joyous milestone in Kazakh culture. When a child begins to walk, their legs are symbolically tied with a colorful string, which is then cut by a respected relative. The ceremony includes laying out a symbolic “white path” (ak zhol), representing a prosperous future. Items such as money, a whip, a dombra, or a book are placed along the path to hint at the child’s potential destiny. Addressing Harmful Practices Not all traditions are compatible with contemporary values or legal norms. Bride kidnapping, an archaic practice still occurring in some regions, has drawn criticism and calls for stricter legal measures. Mazhilis deputy Murat Abenov recently urged tougher penalties for bride abduction, highlighting gaps in the Criminal Code that leave many cases unresolved. “Many victims are coerced into claiming they went voluntarily,” Abenov explained, citing examples where cultural products like songs and videos romanticize the practice. Despite its criminalization after the October Revolution, the issue persists. In 2023, there were 13 officially recorded cases of bride abduction, though Abenov believes the real figure is higher due to...

Environment UNESCO Heritage Caspian Region

Turkmenistan Pushes for UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Unique Mud Volcanoes

Turkmenistan has launched an in-depth study and documentation project focusing on its extraordinary geological landmarks, especially the ancient mud volcanoes that line the western Caspian Sea coast. This effort aims to compile the necessary scientific and cultural documentation to nominate these unique mud volcanoes for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The recent initial expedition was attended by members of the Turkmenistan National Commission for UNESCO, along with biologists, geographers, and geologists from various scientific organizations. These specialists examined multiple mud volcanoes along the Caspian coast, primarily within the Esenguly district of the Balkan region. Over several days, the team meticulously surveyed active, dormant, and long-extinct volcanoes, documenting their findings through photography and soil sampling. They noted that though activity has decreased, this does not mean many volcanoes have stopped completely. Among the most notable formations are the Akpatlavuk and Gokpatlavuk mud volcanoes. Akpatlavuk, located on a prominent hill along the southern part of the Caspian's eastern coast, showcases a dome with numerous mud outcrops and deep channels carved by flowing streams. At its base lies an expansive mud lake, adding to its remarkable landscape. Gokpatlavuk, towering 70 meters above the northern plains near Ekerem, features steep, eroded slopes and gullies through which streams of carbonated mud steadily flow, creating a striking visual of natural forces at work. The nomination process will require updated imagery and refreshed data to supplement the national atlas of mud volcanoes. As part of their preparation, researchers will review studies conducted by Azerbaijani scientists in the 1970s, given that the mud volcanoes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran form an interconnected geological complex representing nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes.

UNESCO Biodiversity Environmental Awareness Rivers IUCN Tien Shan Environment

UNESCO Concerned About Plans to Develop Western Tien Shan

UNESCO has expressed concern over the plans of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to develop natural areas of the Western Tien Shan, a World Natural Heritage site. This concern was realized after a visit by UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which was a joint mission to these countries to assess the state of the site and the impact of economic activity on it. The public foundation (PF) “Rivers Without Borders” stated this in its report. According to UNESCO, the “Western Tien Shan” is a transboundary site in the Central Asian Tien Shan mountain system, one of the seven largest mountain ranges in the world. The altitude of different sections of the Western Tien Shan varies from 700 to 4503 meters. The site consists of diverse landscapes characterized by a vibrant biodiversity. The Western Tien Shan region is important globally as it is the birthplace of several fruit tree species and is characterized by diverse forest types and unique plant life. In Kyrgyzstan, evidence of the illegal mining of gold within the territory of the World Heritage Site was revealed. In addition, a powerful hydroelectric power plant is planned to be built on the Chatkal River, which may flood protected areas and disrupt the landscape. The construction of the Talas-Chatkal-Tashkent highway along the reservoir will only aggravate the ecological situation. In Kazakhstan, the authorities plan to build a cascade of hydropower plants on the Ugam River, which could destroy the current river ecosystem. Part of the river's flow will be directed through a 210-kilometer pipe for use in other regions of Turkestan region. Experts expressed severe concerns about destroying the natural ecosystem and possible consequences for local flora and fauna. The situation is no less alarming in Uzbekistan: the Chatkal and Ugam rivers have already been dammed, significantly altering their natural landscape. During the visit, the experts said that bulldozers and excavators are already changing the course of the Ugam River, channeling it into artificial channels to construct several small hydropower plants. Rivers Without Borders also oppose these projects, pointing out that they violate international standards and UNESCO requirements. The organization's chief specialist, Evgeny Simonov, stressed that implementing the projects without appropriate environmental assessments and consultations with UNESCO violates the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The report on the mission's results is expected to be presented at the next session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria.