Karakalpakstan, a northwestern region of Uzbekistan, is known for its rich intangible cultural heritage, particularly the art of crafting the Kobyz musical instrument and the associated Zhyrau performance tradition. However, this heritage faces significant threats, including a decline in skilled artisans, limited awareness among younger generations, and challenges in safeguarding and transmitting on this knowledge to future generations.
UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, undertook major efforts to build capacity, inventorying and documenting a relevant Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) element associated with the Kobyz and Zhyrau musical traditions, and raise public awareness about the safeguarding process through the production of a documentary film.
The activities fall under the umbrella of the project «Urgent safeguarding of the making of traditional musical instrument Kobyz and its tradition of Zhyrau performance». This project is funded by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund of the UNESCO 2003 Convention. Its primary objectives are to protect the living heritage of Karakalpakstan by safeguarding the traditions of Kobyz and Zhyrau and to increase awareness of the importance of safeguarding Karakalpak living heritage, with a specific emphasis on Kobyz and Zhyrau.
UNESCO launched the project with the 5-day training session on safeguarding the musical heritage of Kobyz and Zhyrau traditions in September 2023 in Karakalpakstan. The initiative aimed to enhance capacity for documenting intangible cultural heritage by equipping artists, local communities, masters, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to inventory and preserve the unique cultural elements of Karakalpakstan.
As follow-up to the training, a field survey/works was conducted from 4 to 10 October 2023 within Karakalpakstan. This activity aimed to identify, inventory and document the ICH elements related to Kobyz and Zhyrau. The field activities served a dual purpose: providing hands-on experience in on-site ICH inventorying while contributing to the documentation and safeguarding of these cultural traditions.
Within the framework of the project, a series of trainings were organized to safeguard and promote the ancient traditions of making the Kobyz musical instrument and the Zhyrau performance in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. From October 21 to 27, the trainings brought together national experts, including young professionals, singers, artisans, and other stakeholders, to learn traditional skills, share best practices, and discuss strategies for safeguarding and transmitting these cultural heritage elements. Participants engaged in practical activities, including hands-on training in crafting the Kobyz and learning several Zhyrau performances ().
Additionally, the training sessions served as a platform for discussions on safeguarding traditional techniques, fostering cultural transmission, and empowering youth to sustain these vital heritage traditions.
Another workshop, held on December 12–13, 2024, in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, focused on safeguarding the Kobyz and Zhyrau traditions by integrating intangible cultural heritage into the education sector. The workshop highlighted this importance by introducing the concept and principles of ICH, using the Kobyz and Zhyrau traditions as compelling examples. These traditions do not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Karakalpakstan, but also serve as powerful tools for illustrating how traditional practices can enhance educational experiences.
By raising awareness among educators and program institutions, the workshop underscored the value of incorporating ICH into educational frameworks to promote cultural identity, inspire creativity, and strengthen intergenerational bonds. Through initiatives like this, education becomes a vital platform for safeguarding ICH, ensuring its viability. National experts, including young professionals, folk performers, masters and educators attended the trainings to gain a deeper understanding of traditional skills and knowledge while exchanging good practices for safeguarding, transmitting and promoting the Kobyz and Zhyrau traditions. The participants explored ways to incorporate these traditions into educations frameworks.
Besides capacity building activities, UNESCO produced a documentary film to raise public awareness and enhance the traditional knowledge on the Kobyz instrument crafting and the Zhyrau music performance.
The public launch of a documentary film dedicated to the Kobyz and Zhyrau traditions celebrated the richness of this cultural heritage and serve as an impactful educational resource, raising awareness and inspiring both educators and the broader community to actively contribute to its safeguarding. The documentary film is expected to be broadcasted in national TV channels.
UNESCO remains committed to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and raising awareness of its significance at the local, national, and international levels in Uzbekistan. The organization will continue to collaborate closely with international, regional, and national partners to strengthen the capacities of all relevant stakeholders.
