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-Muhaibis: social practices and traditions associated with it
Representative List

Al-Muhaibis: social practices and traditions associated with it

Al-Muhaibis is a popular game that tests players’ insight and intelligence. It is typically played during the month of Ramadan, after the Tarawih…

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Yaldā/Chella
Representative List

Yaldā/Chella

Yaldā/Chella refers to a traditional celebration of the sun and the warmth of life. Practiced in Iran and Afghanistan, the event takes place on the…

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Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling
Urgent Safeguarding List

Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling

Naqqāli is the oldest form of dramatic performance in the Islamic Republic of Iran and has long played an important role in society, from the courts…

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Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
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.

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi, India

Inscribed 1993

Hierapolis-Pamukkale, Türkiye

Inscribed 1988

Elephanta Caves, India

Inscribed 1987

Curated Taxonomies

Period

Period

Antiquity to Modernity

Medium

Medium

Silk, Stone, & Clay

Culture

Culture

A Tapestry of Peoples

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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…