Lesson 3: Cultural heritage and respect for diversity

Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nowruz, meaning “new day”, is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It includes rituals, ceremonies and cultural events, as well as the enjoyment of a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn, visits are made to family and friends, and gifts, especially for children, are exchanged.

Georgian medieval epic poem (12thcentury), The Night in the Panther’s Skin describes the celebration of Nowruz by the community.

"In this city it is a rule that on New Year's Day [Nowruz]
no merchant trades, none sets out on a journey;
we all straightway begin to deck and beautify ourselves;
the sovereigns make a great court banquet.”

Photo: © The Georgian National Centre of Manuscripts

Source: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/nawrouz-novruz-nowrouz-nowrouz-nawrouz-nauryz-nooruz-nowruz- navruz-nevruz-nowruz-navruz-01161