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

Sadeh/Sada celebration
Representative List

Sadeh/Sada celebration

Sadeh, or Sada, is a celebration held annually on 30 January. In the folk calendar, it marks the day when farmlands are prepared for their next…

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Âşıklık (minstrelsy) tradition
Representative List

Âşıklık (minstrelsy) tradition

The Âşıklık (minstrelsy) tradition of Turkey is performed by wandering poet-singers known as ''âşıks.'' Dressed in traditional clothes and plucking a…

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Oshi Palav, a traditional meal and its social and cultural contexts in Tajikistan
Representative List

Oshi Palav, a traditional meal and its social and cultural contexts in Tajikistan

Oshi palav (pilaf) is a traditional dish of communities in Tajikistan recognized as a part of their cultural heritage. Otherwise known as the ‘King…

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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

Petra, Jordan

Inscribed 1985

Historic Cairo, Egypt

Inscribed 1979

Curated Taxonomies

Period

Period

Antiquity to Modernity

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Medium

Silk, Stone, & Clay

Culture

Culture

A Tapestry of Peoples

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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…

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

Ethiopia UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 7 Elements

Ethiopia’s UNESCO intangible cultural heritage comprises 7 elements, all inscribed on the Representative List of…

South Korea UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 23 Elements
Blog

South Korea UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 23 Elements

South Korea has 23 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2024, all on the Representative List. From Pansori (2008) and Jongmyo…

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List: 849 Elements Across 157 Countries
Blog

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List: 849 Elements Across 157 Countries

UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage lists contain 849 elements across 157 countries (December 2025). Three lists…

India UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 16 Elements
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India UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Complete List of 16 Elements

India has 16 UNESCO ICH elements as of 2025 — all on the Representative List. From Kutiyattam Sanskrit Theatre (2008)…

Kimjang: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea (File 00881)
Blog

Kimjang: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea (File 00881)

Kimjang — the Korean communal practice of collectively making and sharing large quantities of kimchi before winter — is…