UNESCO Recognizes Azerbaijan's Tandir Craftsmanship, Bread Baking as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Azerbaijan’s centuries-old tradition of tandir craftsmanship and bread baking has been inscribed into UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Today, during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, the nomination of ‘Tandir Craftsmanship and Bread Baking Culture in Azerbaijan’ was successfully inscribed into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!” the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO announced on X on Tuesday.

According to the commission, with this achievement, the number of Azerbaijani heritage elements in UNESCO's lists of intangible cultural heritage has reached 24.

This recognition highlights the cultural significance of tandirs – traditional pottery ovens – and the unique bread-making practices that have been passed down through generations in Azerbaijan.

Tandirs, crafted as surface or underground ovens, are an essential part of Azerbaijan’s culinary heritage. They are used not only to bake bread but also to prepare meat and poultry, reflecting their versatility and importance in daily life. Bread baked in these ovens is renowned for its long shelf life and symbolizes longevity and prosperity in Azerbaijani households.

“Tandirs and bread baking are believed to promote solidarity. They embrace a large number of oral traditions, beliefs, rituals, cultural functions and meanings,” UNESCO wrote introducing the new inscription from Azerbaijan.

The tradition of tandir craftsmanship and bread baking is preserved strongly by families with knowledge transmitted through observation, practice, and oral instruction. Young family members actively participate in the baking process and learn the skills. This practice strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of community solidarity.

Tandir-baked bread also holds spiritual and social significance in Azerbaijan. Offering the first piece of bread to children and guests is a customary gesture believed to bring prosperity to the household.

The UNESCO inscription of this timeless practice reinforces the value of tandir craftsmanship and bread baking as a symbol of cultural identity and unity in Azerbaijan.

With the inscription of the tandir craftsmanship and baking bread, Azerbaijan is currently represented in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List by twenty-four elements. The country’s name first appeared in 2008 with the inclusion of Mugham, a folk musical composition.

Since then, UNESCO sealed the traditional carpet weaving, Chovqan horse-riding game, traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi, copper craftsmanship of Lahij village, Pehlevanliq sports game, Yalli dance, Nar Bayrami traditional pomegranate festivity, dolma dish making and others as the intangible heritage of humanity from Azerbaijan.