Culture28/01/2008Nowruz may be part of UNESCO heritage
Nowruz is the start of the Iranian New Year and marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere on March 21st.
The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) defines intangible or living heritage as including oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices and festive events, knowledge and practices about nature and the universe and traditional craftsmanship.
In order to discuss the submission of Nowruz to the ICH, other countries who celebrate it have been invited; namely, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and India.
"Theses countries presented Nowruz for registration as a multinational heritage," head of Research Center of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), Taha Hashemi said.
"The session is considered as a golden opportunity for Persian territories to boost their cultural and historical ties," he added.
The session which is sponsored by the ICHHTO, will also be attended by UNESCO representatives.