The Intangible Heritages of Iran

Intangible Heritage refers to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge skills, as well as instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces associated therewith of living communities. Some intangible attributes are considered human living heritage and are a reflection of mental processes of a group or society, formed during various historic periods, which has led to formal and material creativities containing a reflection of needs and a response to those needs. The norms and rules of these collections of cultural heritage had been transmitted and learned through unconscious, narrative and traditional methods from generation to generation. The value of these attributes had always been respected and they include language, traditional knowledge, myths, folklore, etc.
The first Iranian intangible heritage inscribed in the national list was Nowrooz in 2007. Nowrooz was also inscribed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009. The first day of the Iranian calendar falls on the March equinox, the first day of spring, around 21st March, but its celebrations continues for at least 5 days.

For more information about the intangible heritage of Iran please refer to the related UNESCO page.