The training course on the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage completed

On October 14, the second day of the next training course within the framework of the “Development of Heritage Governance Skills” training program continued, which the program is realized by “Global Communications and Innovations” company with the support of the Ministry of Culture, and in partnership with the Copyright Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan Federation Creative Industries. The subject of the training course covers UNESCO’s “2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage”.

The press secretary of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, Ms. Khatuna Abdullayeva who participated in the training course as a guest speaker, spoke about the activities done by “Azerkhalcha” OJSC in the development and promotion of Azerbaijani carpet art in the world, and also noted that approximately 600 women weavers are working in 15 regional workshops of the company, both traditional and noted that carpets with modern designs were woven, including silk carpets. Speaking about the activities of the “State Program for the protection and development of carpet art in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2022”, she gave information about her experience in exhibitions and international expositions organized in foreign countries.

Then, the head of the training program, Vasif Eyvazzade, provided important knowledge based on real experience of the activities of the General Conference, the Intergovernmental Committee, the Bureau of the Committee, the Evaluation Body and the Secretariat, which are involved in ensuring the protection of UNESCO’s intangible heritage at the international level, and shared useful hands-on experience with the participants. Then, the participants’ questions on the topic were answered and the training course continued in the form of a discussion.

Sona Tomach, the invited trainer from the Traditional Arts Union of Turkey talked about the necessary activities related to intangible cultural heritage samples that require protection at the national level in accordance with the Convention, and talked about inventorying samples, increasing knowledge and skills to preserve samples, and national support mechanisms. Then, Mrs. Aslihan Erkmen spoke about the project called “Masters of Turkey”, its complex project activities and results for the pilot phase in the Marmara region, the possibilities of inventorying of individual traditional arts, arts and the possibilities of data analysis of the masters engaged in those arts. Vasif Eyvazzade talked about the “Azerbaijan Artisans” project developed in cooperation with the Union of Traditional Arts of Turkey, the contribution of this project to the protection of traditional arts in our country and increasing the possibilities of analyzing the situation, and the issues awaiting resolution in this field. Then, ideas were exchanged with the participants on examples of intangible heritage by regions, and the characteristic elements of each were listed, and a call was made for projects and initiatives for their better protection and preservation in the future.

On the second half-day, Mr. Rufat Elchiyev, the director of the “ABAD” public legal entity, talked about the activities carried out in this framework as a state project to support family businesses and farms in this direction, and presented information on the work scope of ABAD, the categories of ABAD artists, ABAD products via the organizational website. Trainer Sona Tomach spoke about the importance of international cooperation in the protection of intangible heritage samples, support mechanisms and opportunities of the International Fund in this direction, supported projects. Mrs. Aslihan Erkmen spoke about the rules related to periodic reports, as well as the ethical concept of intangible heritage, the role of civil society organizations in the protection of intangible heritage. At the end, certificates were presented to the participants of the training course.

The training course was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its regional departments and cultural institutions, the State Tourism Agency, the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, “ABAD” public legal entity, the State Agency for Vocational Education under the Ministry of Education, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region, Shusha City State Reserve conservation department, the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, Heydar Aliyev Center, the Institute of Manuscripts of ANAS, Azerbaijan Culinary Specialists Association, Arts Council Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan Composers’ Union.