ICHCAP

The UNESCO ICHCAP (Secretary-General Kim Ji-sung), co hosted an international symposium titled “International Cooperation and Exchange of Nomadic Archery as Shared Cultural Heritage” with Kazakhstan National Commission for UNESCO on September 9th, in Astana, Kazakhstan. This symposium was a special session within the international academic conference held during the 5th World Nomad Games.

This event brought together experts from Korea, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Türkiye, including traditional archery specialists and national archery coaches. They convened to discuss the significance of traditional archery as a shared intangible cultural heritage. Traditional archery, recognized as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Türkiye since 2019, has evolved from its historical uses in warfare and hunting to a modern practice focused on community cohesion and youth development.

Traditional archery was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019 in Türkiye. It is a shared intangible cultural heritage that has evolved in various forms and styles across many countries, including those in Eurasia.

The history of traditional archery, as evidenced by the "Hunting Scene" in the Goguryeo Tomb Murals in Republic of Korea, shows that it has been used by nomadic peoples since ancient times as a means of warfare and hunting. In modern times, traditional archery has been practiced with a focus on strengthening community cohesion and supporting the physical and mental development of youth.

The UNESCO ICHCAP is committed to strengthening both regional and international collaboration on shared intangible cultural heritage, including traditional archery, to contribute to the socio-cultural sustainability of Central Asia.

Additionally, the 5th World Nomad Games, often referred to as the “Olympics of nomadic traditional culture”, is taking place in Astana from September 8 to 13. The event, which involves over 3,000 individuals from approximately 100 countries, is highly regarded for its role in raising global awareness about the importance of preserving nomadic culture.