Intangible Cultural Heritage

Source:  DD News

Context: The recognition of Bosnia’s Sevdalinka, also known as “Balkan Blues,” as part of UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights global efforts to preserve and celebrate diverse cultural traditions.

About UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage:

• Established in: Adopted in 2003, came into force in 2006 under the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Aim: To safeguard cultural practices, expressions, and knowledge systems endangered by globalization, ensuring respect for community heritage.
• Criteria:
  1. Must demonstrate the importance of the practice for cultural identity.
  2. Should involve active community participation.
  3. Must align with the principles of human rights and sustainable development.
• Types of Lists:

• • Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
  • Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

• India and UNESCO:

• • UNESCO Committees Membership: India is a member of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Committee (2022–2026) and the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025).
  • Previous Tenures: India served on the ICH Committee from 2006–2010 and 2014–2018.
  • Nodal Office: The Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture, manages intangible cultural heritage matters and prepares nomination dossiers for UNESCO’s Representative List.

About Balkan Blues (Sevdalinka):

• What it is: A melancholic urban love song blending South Slavic oral poetry and Ottoman music, often referred to as the “Balkan Blues.”
• Nation: Bosnia.
• Features:
  • Traditionally performed a cappella or with instruments like the saz (lute).
  • Originates from the 16th century, carrying themes of love and melancholy.
  • Recognized as a cultural symbol of Bosnia’s history and identity.

Insta links: