The art of making and playing the rubab, a traditional musical instrument, has been recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, according to the Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan.
This decision was made during the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paraguay. Several countries, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran, prepared the nomination.
The foundation also noted that the rubab has become the sixteenth item proposed by Uzbekistan to be included on the UNESCO list.
The rubab (or rebab) is a stringed musical instrument, either bowed or plucked, with origins in Arab culture. Various forms of the rubab can be found across the cultures of different peoples in the East and Africa.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that UNESCO will assist in developing the historical center of Samarkand.
