Cyprus submits commandaria for UNESCO cultural status

Cyprus has officially submitted its candidacy to register Commandaria, a historic sweet wine, on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the Deputy Ministry of Culture announced.

The application, now posted on UNESCO’s website, will be reviewed in 2025. In its statement, the Deputy Ministry praised the Cyprus National UNESCO Committee for its collaboration and extended special thanks to experts Angel Nikolaou Konnari and Antigone Polyneiki for their role in preparing the submission.

The ministry also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Agriculture Department, local municipalities, winegrowers, winemakers, and residents of the 14 Commandaria-producing villages, collectively known as the "Commandarochoria."

This marks Cyprus' latest effort to preserve its cultural heritage, following six other successful registrations, including Lefkarian embroidery (2009), Tsiattista poetry (2011), the Mediterranean diet (2013), dry stone art (2018), Byzantine chanting (2019), and traditional obstetrics (2023).

The Deputy Ministry emphasized the importance of safeguarding Cyprus' intangible cultural heritage as a key aspect of the nation's identity, to be passed down to future generations. Currently, Cyprus’ National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage includes 65 elements, with new entries added annually through collaborations between communities, municipalities, and experts.

The ministry also highlighted its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with UNESCO and promote Cyprus' role in cultural preservation. Goals include securing positions on UNESCO’s intergovernmental committees and working groups, as well as intensifying efforts to register monuments on the World Heritage List and combat the illegal trade of cultural goods.

[Information sourced from CNA]