The Committee
- Takes note that Kyrgyzstan has nominated Traditional knowledge and cultural contexts of making Maksym, a traditional Kyrgyz beverage (No. 02123) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Maksym is a thick fermented drink that is often consumed in local communities in Kyrgyzstan and valued for its nourishing qualities. The preparation process involves roasting flour (usually wheat, barley or corn) in sheep fat, mixing it with water and salt, and leaving it to ferment for several hours using natural cultures. Although women traditionally prepare Maksym and men gather the ingredients, these roles are flexible and vary by household. Regional variations reflect local climates and ingredients.
- 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 related knowledge and skills are passed down within families, especially by older women. They can also be acquired through group preparation, festivals and community events in rural areas and cities. Maksym is also taught in vocational schools and promoted through books, blogs and films. Organizations, scholars and traditional knowledge holders work together to safeguard and promote the practice. Maksym is enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and regions. It plays an important role in bringing people together and expressing care and hospitality. The cultures used for fermentation carry symbolic meaning, representing prosperity and the continuation of tradition. A common blessing expressed during its preparation, ‘May you never run out of culture’, attests to its profound importance and unifying role in society.
R.2: Deeply rooted in everyday life, this element reflects a strong connection between the community and the natural environment, and contributes to various aspects of sustainable development. The production of Maksym is environmentally sustainable, utilizing organic ingredients and respecting local ecosystems. The traditional knowledge associated with this element contributes to food security and health, particularly in rural and nomadic communities, which have limited access to conventional health care systems. The existence of women-led microenterprises focused on the commercialization of Maksym indicates its contribution to family economy and women’s autonomy, promoting gender equality and inclusive economic development. The inscription of the element could stimulate the protection of local knowledge systems, especially those related to agricultural practices.
R.3: The safeguarding plan was developed by a working group formed by several stakeholders. The plan aims to expand the inclusion of the element in educational programmes at the national level and to promote the transmission of innovative knowledge through workshops, demonstrations and digital tools. It involves the following areas: (a) identification, documentation and research; (b) safeguarding (including avoiding excessive commercialization); and (c) promotion. Communities play a crucial role in safeguarding traditional preparation methods and the cultural significance of the element.
R.4: Initiated by a group of practitioners during the Intangible Cultural Heritage workshop in 2018, the nomination process was based on a broad and inclusive process, involving the active engagement of local practitioners, women, academic scholars, non-governmental organizations and government bodies. Since 2019, this group worked closely with the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee to prepare the nomination and compile videos, manuscripts, photographs and other information related to the element. They held meetings, round tables, and research and documentation activities. Communities from seven provinces across the country have participated in discussions throughout this process. Digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram were used to overcome logistical barriers and thereby ensure wide engagement in the process.
R.5: The element was included in the National Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2008. This inventory is managed by the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and updated every three years, based on the information received from communities, experts, non-governmental organizations and other groups.
- Decides to inscribe Traditional knowledge and cultural contexts of making Maksym, a traditional Kyrgyz beverage on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for its creative and effective use of digital media to prepare and compile the documentation required for the nomination.