The Committee
- Takes note that Bosnia and Herzegovina has nominated Sevdalinka, traditional urban folk song (No. 01872) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Sevdalinka is a form of traditional urban singing that is practised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It originated as the result of a long process of acculturation that occurred when the traditional oral poetry of the South-Slavic population merged with the musical influences of the Ottoman Empire. Performed a capella or with the accompaniment of traditional instruments, the main function of sevdalinka is to tell a story. It is practised by professional and amateur performers of all genders and backgrounds and is a key part of stage folklore. Because of its storytelling function, sevdalinka is proving continually relevant for different communities as a part of their identity expression. It is often transmitted within families, with younger members learning through imitation, then adding individual variations over time. The practice is also transmitted through music academies, individual lessons, workshops and the public education system. An important form of cultural expression, sevdalinka provides a sense of connection and belonging to the same community. It is an important cohesive factor that is accepted, appreciated and promoted by people of all ethnic groups, genders and identities.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The element is a form of traditional urban singing that is common throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. The bearers and practitioners of the element include individual performers, cultural associations, semi-professional folk groups, promoters, researchers and archivists. Transmission of knowledge and skills related to the element occurs within family circles, where younger family members learn from older family members. It is also transmitted through institutions, radios, academies, formal education, individual lessons and group workshops. The element has an integrative social function, providing a sense of belonging to the communities while strengthening their collective cultural identity. It also promotes connection and creative expression.
R.2: The element contributes to sustainable development in various ways, including by supporting mental health, promoting quality education through its formal and informal transmission mechanisms, and strengthening the economic development of practitioners through cultural industries and tourism. It also supports women’s creativity and socialization in a performing context that is traditionally male-dominated. Moreover, the element enhances peace and social cohesion between different ethnic and social groups. The nomination file contains several statements from diverse groups of bearers and practitioners attesting to the element’s contribution to sustainable development.
R.4: In 2017, the Association of Musicians of Tuzla initiated the process to inscribe sevdalinka on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The work on the nomination started with the establishment of an expert group comprising prominent bearers and representatives of the institutions that research, document, and promote sevdalinka. The communities concerned participated in various meetings held in different places throughout the submitting State. According to the file, public meetings were held in 2019, followed by additional community consultations to prepare for the 2024 nomination cycle using the newly revised nomination form. Letters of consent were provided to demonstrate the communities’ involvement in and support for the nomination process.
R.5: The element is listed on the Preliminary Open List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, and details were provided in the 2022 periodic report and in the nomination file.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.3: The file provides details about the different safeguarding measures proposed to ensure the viability of the element. These include: (a) enhancing transmission through the coordination of festivals, concerts and competitions; (b) ensuring financial and technical support from federal, county, municipal and local authorities to the practising communities; and (c) carrying out education, research and documentation measures led by experts of State institutions. The role of the communities in the planning and implementation of the safeguarding measures was clarified during the dialogue process.
- Decides to inscribe Sevdalinka, traditional urban folk song on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.