UNESCO recognizes centuries-old Türkiye's Antep İşi Embroidery

Minister Ersoy stated in his social media post:

“Antep İşi Embroidery has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, India. With this inscription, the number of Turkey’s living heritage elements on UNESCO lists has risen to 32, further strengthening our country’s position as the second nation in the world with the highest number of registered cultural elements.”

Thanking the Directorate General of Living Heritage and Cultural Activities, the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, and all stakeholders who contributed to the process, Ersoy added:

“Antep İşi Embroidery, which has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries and created with white thread on white fabric, is a significant cultural value distinguished by its delicate craftsmanship and the contribution it makes to women’s economic and social participation in the region. Turkey continues to move forward confidently in safeguarding and sharing its living heritage with the world.”

UNESCO congratulates Turkey in its report

According to the Ministry’s statement, during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi between 8–13 December, the Antep İşi Embroidery file prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in cooperation with the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on behalf of Turkey, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Traditionally applied with white thread on white fabric, with patterns formed by pulling and cutting threads, Antep İşi Embroidery is a deep-rooted technique in the region, passed down for centuries.

This craft, which requires great skill and labor, provides a significant source of income for women while supporting social cohesion and contributing to sustainable development.

UNESCO’s evaluation report emphasized that the Antep İşi Embroidery file was submitted as a detailed and complete dossier, congratulating Turkey for its efforts in safeguarding living heritage.

In line with the principles and objectives of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Turkey continues to enhance its international visibility through activities that promote peace, intercultural dialogue, and respect for cultural diversity.

Of the 32 elements registered on the lists, 14 are multinational files, reflecting collaboration with countries that share similar cultural heritage.

Through the efforts carried out with the active participation of living heritage bearers, local administrations, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders, Turkey maintains its position as the second country in the world with 32 registered values on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.