The Soul of the Middle East & South Asia

A Curated Digital Encyclopedia

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The Met Collection

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Living Traditions

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

Kithul Madeema/Kithul Kapeema, an ancient indigenous technology for tapping Kithul in Sri Lanka
Representative List

Kithul Madeema/Kithul Kapeema, an ancient indigenous technology for tapping Kithul in Sri Lanka

In rural village communities in Sri Lanka, kithul madeema, or kithul tapping, is a traditional method of collecting sap from the kithul tree, a tall…

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Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka
Representative List

Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka

The rickshaw is a small, three-wheeled passenger vehicle that is pulled by one person. It is a recognized feature of Dhaka and Bangladesh as a whole…

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Al-Zajal, recited or sung poetry
Representative List

Al-Zajal, recited or sung poetry

Al-Zajal is a form of Lebanese folk poetry declaimed or sung at social and family celebrations and in daily life. The performers, both men and women…

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Sacred City of Anuradhapura
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

Journal

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