Culture

Tajikistan

• © UNESCO/ACTED

Although Tajikistan is a State Party to the World Heritage Convention, it has no site on the World Heritage List at present. However, the Tajik authorities are working with other Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) and China on the serial World Heritage nomination of the Silk Roads.

With the support of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, studies have been undertaken on the conservation and enhancement of Central Asia's earthen architecture, a characteristic aspect of the region's cultural heritage,

On a regional level and with UNESCO’s assistance, the country is involved in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

Regarding movable heritage, Tajikistan receives assistance from UNESCO and ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development) for the conservation of its endangered ethnographic collections.

A network has been created in Central Asia to share research and work methods regarding petroglyph sites.

As part of the Festival on Cultural Diversity and Dialogue in Central Asia, a research and conservation project was launched for the Ajiina Tepa Buddhist monastery.

In the field of intangible heritage, the music tradition of Shashmaqom in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. A safeguarding plan was set up to study and promote this ancient musical tradition.

UNESCO/Tajikistan cooperation also focuses on intercultural dialogue. A project for the establishment of a network for the protection of Central Asia’s intangible heritage was set up and UNESCO's Office in Almaty created a website highlighting the role of women in the cultures of Central Asia. In the framework of the programme on Intercultural Dialogue in Central Asia, Tajikistan is a member of the International Institute for Central Asian Studies. In addition, a UNESCO chair on intercultural dialogue in the modern world was established at the Tajik, Russian and Slavonic University of Dushanbe.

In the field of arts and creativity, Tajikistan encourages its traditional crafts through the Seal of Excellence programme.

Cultural tourism projects focus on the participation of communities in East Pamir.