The Soul of the Middle East & South Asia

A Curated Digital Encyclopedia

Archives

The Met Collection

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Living Traditions

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Art of crafting and playing with Kamantcheh/Kamancha, a bowed string musical instrument
Representative List

Art of crafting and playing with Kamantcheh/Kamancha, a bowed string musical instrument

The art of crafting and playing with Kamantcheh/Kamancha (‘little bow’), a bowed string instrument, has existed for over 1,000 years. In the Islamic…

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Tahteeb, stick game
Representative List

Tahteeb, stick game

In ancient Egypt, tahteeb was used as a form of martial arts. Its role has since changed to that of a festive game but some of the symbolism and…

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Antep İşi, drawn thread embroidery of Gaziantep
Representative List

Antep İşi, drawn thread embroidery of Gaziantep

Antep Isi, or drawn thread embroidery, is a centuries-old needlework technique that traditionally involves working on white fabric with white thread…

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Persepolis
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.

Curated Taxonomies

Period

Period

Antiquity to Modernity

Medium

Medium

Silk, Stone, & Clay

Culture

Culture

A Tapestry of Peoples