The Soul of the Middle East & South Asia

A Curated Digital Encyclopedia

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The Met Collection

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Lustreware Bowl with Calligraphy

Islamic Art Department

Lustreware Bowl with Calligraphy

Pectoral of Tutankhamun

Egyptian Art

Pectoral of Tutankhamun

Standing Bodhisattva

Asian Art

Standing Bodhisattva

Mughal Garden Miniature

South Asian Art

Mughal Garden Miniature

Living Traditions

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya
Representative List

Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya

Al-Qudoud al-Halabiya is a form of traditional music from Aleppo with a fixed melody. Sung for religious and entertainment purposes, the lyrics vary…

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Mek Mulung
Urgent Safeguarding List

Mek Mulung

Mek Mulung is a traditional Malaysian performance involving acting, dialogue, singing and dancing. Originating in the village of Wang Tepus, it is…

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Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere), traditional group dances of Nakhchivan
Urgent Safeguarding List

Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere), traditional group dances of Nakhchivan

Yalli, traditional group dances, are dance expressions based exclusively on collective performances. Typically, yalli are performed in a circle…

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Bam and its Cultural Landscape
Archaeological Wonders

Ancient Cities of the Silk Road

Discover the architectural majesty of ancient cities that once stood as the beating hearts of global trade, science, and art.

Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Inscribed 2004

Meidan Emam, Esfahan, Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Inscribed 1979

Ancient City of Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Inscribed 1979

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Period

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Medium

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Culture

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Colombia UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 15 Elements
Blog

Colombia UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 15 Elements

Colombia has 15 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2025 — 11 on the Representative List, 3 on the Urgent Safeguarding List, and…

Ukraine UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 7 Elements
Blog

Ukraine UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 7 Elements

Ukraine has 7 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2025 — 4 on the Representative List, 2 on the Urgent Safeguarding List, and 1…

Peru UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 15 Elements
Blog

Peru UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 15 Elements

Peru has 15 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2025 — 13 on the Representative List, 1 on the Urgent Safeguarding List, and 1 on…

Morocco UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 16 Elements
Blog

Morocco UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 16 Elements

Morocco has 16 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2025 — 15 on the Representative List and 1 on the Urgent Safeguarding List…

Bulgaria UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 9 Elements
Blog

Bulgaria UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 9 Elements

Bulgaria’s UNESCO intangible cultural heritage comprises 9 elements — 7 on the Representative List of the…

Malaysia UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 9 Elements
Blog

Malaysia UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 9 Elements

Malaysia’s UNESCO intangible cultural heritage comprises 9 elements — 8 on the Representative List of the…