DUSHANBE, 16.12.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – On December 15, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO Zulfiya Burhon took part in the 16th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage with participation of the representatives of UNESCO member states which was held virtually in Paris.

The meeting discussed the inscription of elements of intangible cultural heritage nominated by UNESCO member states to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Nominations which met the terms and conditions of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO have been formally inscribed to the list by the committee.

The official inscription of Falak to the world List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was proclaimed by the Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Executive Secretary of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO Punchi Nilame Meegaswatte.

This nomination of Tajikistan has met all five criteria of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This initiative will be one of the most significant achievements to protect and popularize the ancestorial heritage, as well as present the Tajik folkcrafts, rich and ancient culture in the international arena.

Falak is the traditional music of the Tajik people, which for centuries has been the expression of the emotional pain, desires, and aspirations of the common people. Falak makes predominant use of couplets and quatrains. This type of art is typical mainly for residents of mountainous regions.