The art of crafting and playing the rubab is included in UNESCO's Representative List.

On December 4th, during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, a decision was made to include the art of crafting and playing the rubab in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This nomination was initiated by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan. It was unanimously included in the Representative List by all member countries.

The committee noted that the rubab is one of the oldest musical instruments in Central, South, and Southwest Asia and serves as a unifying factor for the peoples of the Central Asian region. It fosters cultural and social cohesion and plays a significant role in the development of cultural exchanges and solidarity.

It was also emphasized that this art contributes to quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development.

The committee highly appreciated the ongoing and planned practical measures in the initiating countries aimed at preserving, promoting, and further popularizing the art of crafting and playing the rubab at both national and international levels.

The art of crafting and playing the rubab has become the 16th element of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity included in UNESCO's Representative List at the initiative of Uzbekistan.