The art of crafting and playing the rubab has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

According to "Dunyo," the committee's decision highlights that the rubab is one of the oldest musical instruments in Central, South, and Southwest Asia.

"The rubab serves as a unifying element for the peoples of the Central Asian region. It fosters cultural and social cohesion and plays a significant role in the development of cultural exchanges and solidarity," the statement reads.

The art of making and playing the rubab has become the 16th element of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, included in UNESCO's Representative List at the initiative of Uzbekistan. It is noted that this art contributes to quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development.

UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage encompasses all aspects of culture, traditions, and customs of a community—songs, rituals, skills, and crafts. These are referred to as intangible cultural or living heritage.

Last year, Uzbekistan added the art of illuminating tazhib, iftar, and the art of ceramics to this list. It also includes Navruz, pilaf, the Khorezm dance Lazgi, the making of atlas and addresses, and Uzbek miniature painting.

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place from December 2 to 7, 2024, in Asuncion, Paraguay. During the session, 63 nominations for inclusion in the Convention lists, submitted by 90 countries, will be reviewed.