UNESCO Recommends Kazakhstan’s Three Traditions for Intangible Heritage List

Fifty-six of 59 nominations submitted this year cleared UNESCO’s evaluation process, including three Kazakh traditions, according to a document published by the organization, The Astana Times reported.

The Evaluation Body recommended adding Kazakhstan’s Salburyny hunting festival, traditional embroidery and traditional feltmaking to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Three other nominations were returned to submitting countries for revisions.

Festival Showcases Kazakh Equestrian Traditions

Salburyny is an annual equestrian festival rooted in nomadic traditions, featuring Tazy hunting dogs and golden eagle falconry. Taking place from late autumn into early winter, the seven-day event unites falconers, musicians, storytellers and youth who study horseback riding, falconry, dog care and hunting.

The tradition promotes respect for animals, environmental awareness and cooperation across generations. Kazakhstan added Salburyny to its National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The Kiran Federation, Zhalayr Shora and the Kansonar Association helped prepare the nomination.

Embroidery Nomination Shared with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan submitted the embroidery nomination jointly with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The craft involves sewing decorative and symbolic patterns with colorful threads onto cotton, wool, silk and sometimes leather to decorate wall hangings, pillows, clothing, accessories, headdresses and household textiles.

Patterns draw on nature and mythology, featuring flowers, animals and celestial symbols with meanings specific to local communities. The craft is practiced mainly by women, working individually or in groups, and provides a source of income beyond household decoration.

Feltmaking Joins Seven-Country Joint Bid

Kazakhstan joined Azerbaijan, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan in a joint nomination for traditional feltmaking. The UNESCO document praised the countries’ “exemplary cooperation” in promoting a shared tradition that transcends geographical boundaries.

Felt, traditionally made from wool, is used for carpets, prayer mats, yurt coverings, clothing and accessories. This demanding procedure requires washing and coloring the wool, spreading it over a mat, rolling and compressing it, and finally extending and drying the fabric. The collective process strengthens social ties and connects generations.

Final Decision Due at November Session in Xiamen

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will make the final decision at its session scheduled for Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2026, in Xiamen, China.