Baku: Azerbaijani tandir and bread-making craftsmanship have been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, marking a significant cultural recognition for the nation. This decision was confirmed during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asuncion, Paraguay.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, tandirs are traditional pottery ovens used extensively in Azerbaijan for baking bread and occasionally for cooking meat and poultry. Craftsmen create two main types of tandirs, categorized as surface and underground ovens. The bread produced using these ovens is not only a staple in Azerbaijani diets but is also perceived as a symbol of longevity. Its ability to be stored for extended periods without spoiling makes it a vital component of daily life. The cultural practice surrounding tandir and bread baking is thought to foster a sense of solidarity, incorporating numerous oral traditions, beliefs, and rituals.

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t of tandir-making and bread baking is traditionally passed down through familial lines, with both observation and hands-on practice playing key roles in the transmission of knowledge. Family members, including young men and women, are involved in the baking process, learning through participation and guidance. This method of cultural transmission ensures respect for bread and the associated traditions, emphasizing the ritualistic nature of baking in tandirs. Offering bread to children and guests is customary, believed to bring prosperity to the household. Additionally, tandir-baked bread serves as an essential source of income for many families.

With this latest addition, Azerbaijan now boasts 23 elements of its culture recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, highlighting the country’s rich cultural tapestry and its commitment to preserving traditional practices.