The Committee
- Takes note that the Islamic Republic of Iran has nominated Ayeneh-Kari, the art of mirror-work in Persian architecture (No. 02319) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Ayeneh-Kari, or mirror-work, refers to the handcrafted art of decorating architectural surfaces such as ceilings, walls, domes, columns and panels using cut pieces of mirrors. The process entails cutting and shaping mirrors into geometric patterns or organic shapes and gluing them onto the surfaces to create designs that reflect light and brighten the space. The art combines several skills, from design, mirror cutting and plastering to painting and mosaic work. For practising communities, mirrors and water are symbols of purity and illumination, and Ayeneh-Kari embodies the importance of light and enlightenment.
- 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 practice of Ayeneh-Kari is passed down both informally through apprenticeships and workshops and formally through universities, non-governmental organizations and training institutes. In most cases, Ayeneh-Kari is a career transmitted across several generations, taught by grandfathers, fathers and uncles to descendants. Ayeneh-Kari masters occupy a highly respected social position, and the art is recognized simultaneously as a luxurious and spiritual expression, ornamenting all kinds of traditional and contemporary spaces, from holy shrines and religious sites to royal palaces and private residences. An inclusive art form, Ayeneh-Kari is practised across various groups and continues to hold significance in both historical restoration and modern design.
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently demonstrates the element’s contribution to various aspects of sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on promoting gender equality, through the establishment of equal access and opportunities to learn, teach and practise the element. It also helps promote inclusive economic development, through the generation of income through jobs and the establishment of sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
R.3: The file includes safeguarding measures designed to protect and promote the element, including the creation of an online campaign to introduce the element; raising funds and grants for masters of the art; teaching Ayeneh-Kari-related knowledge and skills formally through art and architecture-related courses at universities and academies; organizing workshops, courses, contests, festivals, conferences and exhibitions; and producing dedicated programmes and content relating to the element on State and private TV and radio stations, websites and social media platforms. The active involvement of communities, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and the media demonstrates multi-stakeholder engagement. The file indicates substantial State support with the implementation of the safeguarding plans.
R.4: The submitting State Party has demonstrated the community's participation in the nomination process, including master practitioners (male and female), non-governmental organizations, university scholars and local cultural organizations from various regions of Iran. A working group of Intangible Cultural Heritage experts, Ayeneh-Kari heritage bearers and practitioners, art professors of Ayeneh-Kari, restorers and architects was formed to prepare the nomination file by holding meetings and sessions with the committee to finalize the forms, photographs and videos. Prior and timely consent was obtained through a signed petition by the practitioners in 2023.
R.5: The element was registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Iran in 2017. This inventory is maintained by the Deputyship of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and is updated annually, by adding new elements as well as revising existing information, in partnership with communities, groups, and individuals.
- Decides to inscribe Ayeneh-Kari, the art of mirror-work in Persian architecture on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for giving credit to the masters who participated in the nomination process by including their names in the nomination file.