Nomination files for the inscription of elements on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the year 2026
Since the signing of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in recent years, this type of heritage began to emerge more frequently, as the Convention praises the interest of those concerned with heritage at all local, national and international levels to safeguard the cultural heritage present in the territories of every State Party that has ratified this Convention. There was also a great demand from State Parties to register heritage elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With all the Arab States combined elements inscribed within the framework of national and multinational files on this list were 67 from 2008 AD to 2022 AD. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is currently including 4 Files on the Representative List:
- Arabian Horses Nomination File
- Nabatean Poetry Nomination File
- Sambuk Nomination File
- Pottery Nomination File
The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible cultural heritage is the practices, perceptions, forms of expression, knowledge, skills, and associated cultural instruments, objects, artifacts, and places that communities, groups, and individuals consider to be part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation, is continuously created anew by communities and groups in accordance with their environment, their interactions with nature, and their history. It develops their sense of identity and sense of continuity, and thus enhances respect for cultural diversity and human creative ability.
- Intangible cultural heritage is particularly evident in the following areas:
i. Oral traditions and expressions including language as a medium for expressing intangible cultural heritage.
ii. Arts and traditions of performance.
iii. Social practices, rituals and ceremonies.
iv. Knowledge and practices related to nature and the universe.
v. Skills associated with traditional craft arts.
This agreement seeks to achieve the following objectives:
i. Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
ii. Respect the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals concerned.
iii. Raising awareness at the local, national and international levels of the importance of intangible cultural heritage and the importance of mutual appreciation for this heritage.
iv. International cooperation and international assistance.
The Kingdom of Bahrain ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, which makes it responsible body for implementing and reporting on activities to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage. Such initiatives and engagements are an important way to highlight the actions and measures taken by the country to support intangible heritage within its territory.
Representative List
- It is a mechanism within the 2003 Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that allows States Parties to include elements that have an important representation of the world's ancestral traditions. The Convention states that all types of intangible heritage are equally important as long as its bearers and practitioners are at the center of safeguarding strategies. Items are included in the list by decision of the members of the Convention Committee, which meets once a year to discuss matters related to the Convention. Since the last meeting in December 2022, the number of elements included in the Representative List has reached 678 from 140 States Parties. In the Arab region, the number of listed elements has already reached 67, including joint and national nomination files.
Instructions for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Survey
Thank you for participating in our survey on intangible cultural heritage. Please follow these instructions:
1. Prepare:
- Read all the questions before starting (please download the document attached below).
Intangible Cultural Heritage Survey
ICH Survey Questions
- Gather any information you might need to fill the survey.
2. Complete the Survey:
- Answer all questions as accurately as possible.
- Provide detailed responses where needed.
3. Electronic Signature:
- At the end, upload an electronic signature to complete the survey.
- Have a digital copy of your signature ready.
4. Follow-Up:
- We may contact you if we need more information.
Thank you for your participation.
