Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy on Dec. 5-6 announced that five more cultural heritage of Turkey were taken under protection at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Kasane, Botswana. 

“Craftsmanship of mother of pearl inlay;” “craftsmanship and performing art of balaban/mey;” “art of illumination (Tezhip);” “traditional knowledge, methods and practices concerning olive cultivation;” and “iftar and its socio-cultural traditions” were added to the list of practices.

Mother of pearl inlay is the art of incorporating pieces of mother of pearl into various wooden items, including but not limited to Koran cases, desks, chests, chairs, mirrors, jewel cases, and musical instruments.

The balaban/mey, a wooden instrument, plays a significant role in the musical cultures of Azerbaijan and Turkey. It is commonly used as a solo or accompanying instrument at folk festivities, weddings, and concerts.