Gyumri blacksmithing tradition inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

During the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Kasane, Botswana, it was decided to inscribe the tradition of blacksmithing in Gyumri on the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This was reported by the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

Blacksmithing was one of the most common crafts in Armenia. But as an urban craft, it received its full expression in Gyumri, having flourished in the 19th century.

The inscription of a national tradition passed down from generation to generation on UNESCO’s list is key to ensuring its viability, evaluation and popularization.