Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Azerbaijan to promote 2020 UNESCO-registered pomegranate festivity
Azerbaijani women peel pomegranates and sorts seeds. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea seeks to promote Nar Bayrami, an annual pomegranate festivity inscribed on UNESCO- Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020, in the post-COVID-19 era. / Courtesy of Embassy of Azerbaijan
By Yi Whan-woo
Yi Whan-woo
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea has expressed hope to promote Azerbaijan's newly UNESCO-registered intangible cultural asset in 2021 and in the post-COVID-19 era.
The embassy referred to Nar Bayrami, the country's traditional pomegranate festivity and culture inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Dec. 16.
Pomegranate seeds collected in baskets / Courtesy of Embassy of Azerbaijan
“The inclusion of Nar Bayrami in the relevant list of UNESCO will make a significant contribution to the protection of the pomegranate culture and its transmission to the future generations as well as promotion of Azerbaijan as an attractive touristic destination in the post-pandemic era,” the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy underlined Nar Bayrami has “a special place” in the cultural life, mythology, ancient traditions, cuisine and agriculture of Azerbaijani people.
Nar Bayrami is an annual festival in October and November in Azerbaijan's Goychay region, celebrating the pomegranate and its traditional uses and symbolic meaning.
According to UNESCO, the festival is a part of the pomegranate culture that ranges from a set of social practices through to knowledge, traditions and skills related to the cultivation of the fruit.
The pomegranate is used not only in a range of culinary contexts, but is also referred to in crafts, decorative arts, myths, storytelling and other creative outlets.
Symbolically, the fruit is associated with long-term productivity and abundance and is considered a carrier of energy. Azerbaijani legends viewed it as a symbol of love and passion, while religious people saw it as symbolizing eternity.
The pomegranate therefore enjoys great visibility in society and Nar Bayrami has various functions, as seen from its use in traditional meals to being cited in poetry.
“The annual celebration displays pride for centuries-old traditions,” the embassy said, calling the festival “a time to highlight local nature and culture.”
It added Azerbaijan “encourages active exchange and communication among communities and visitors to the festivity.”
Art of miniature including small paintings on walls was co-presented by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Uzbekistan and registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. / Courtesy of Embassy of Azerbaijan
Also registered on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Dec. 16, was the art of miniature jointly presented by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
The miniature is a type of 2D artwork that involves the design and creation of small paintings on books, papier-mache, rugs, textiles, walls, ceramics and other items. The miniature uses raw materials such as gold, silver and various organic substances.
The embassy underlined the artwork's centuries-long heritage has developed and “strengthens the bonds between past and present.”
It noted traditional painting principles and techniques are preserved, but artists also bring individual creativity into the process.