UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Lavash is a traditional flatbread claimed by many food specialists to be Armenian in origin, but it is well-known and prepared throughout Western Asia (most noteably Iran and Türkiye) and the Caucasus (most noteably Azerbaijan). The dough consists of wheat flour, salt, and water leavened only with a sourdough starter. Once the dough has risen, it is shaped into small lumps that are rolled flat and then slapped against the inside of a clay oven called tonir. Depending on the part or region of Armenia, these flatbreads can vary in thickness, size, shape, and the method of kneading. Because the process of making lavash is so labor-intensive, as well as time-consuming, this flatbread is typically prepared in advance. The baked flatbreads are kept in a dry place and sprinkled with water before use to restore their flexibility. Even to this day, lavash is only torn by hand and can be used either as bread, a wrap, or a spoon. The significance of this flatbread in Armenia is reflected in the ceremonial ritual of its preparation, starting with the choice of women who are fit to make this flatbread, to the sacred and obligatory whispering of blessings or reciting of kind words while making the dough, as it is believed the dough has magical powers to make the whispered wishes come true. As it is considered to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity, lavash has great significance in the Armenian wedding ceremonies, and is also used in traditional medicine since it is believed to have healing properties. In 2016, UNESCO recognized lavash making and sharing culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Maras salt is a type of salt that has been traditionally sourced from the ancient salt pans of Maras or Salinas de Maras, as they are called locally. This artisan salt is obtained by scraping the pinkish salt crust that forms on the bottom of the salt ponds once the salt-infused water that used to fill them has evaporated entirely due to the sun and wind. The salt crystals then typically go through a process of filtering and cleaning before they are packaged and ready to be sold on the market. Maras salt is appreciated for its beautiful color, rich flavor, nutritional value, and exceptional health benefits. Aside from its pure form, the salt is also available in versions where it's mixed with various herbs, either as a seasoning or a therapeutic bath salt, and it is also used as an ingredient in numerous products including chocolate bars with salt, salted snacks such as corn chips and fried banana slices, and exfoliating scrubs.

Extra finely ground roasted coffee beans are combined with cold water (and, optionally, sugar) in a traditional coffee pot called cezve or ibrik, and then brewed over low heat until frothy and on the verge of coming to a boil, yielding a uniquely strong and rich Turkish coffee. It is this specific method of brewing the beverage that distinguishes this coffee from other coffee types, and it has been attributed to the Turks, hence the name. When prepared properly, Turkish coffee is characterized by a dark color, thick foam on the surface, homogenous consistency, and a strong flavor with notes of bitterness. Believed to be one of the oldest methods of coffee preparation, this coffee is often flavored with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or mastic, and it is typically consumed from demitasse cups accompanied by a glass of water and a sweet dessert such as Turkish delight or any homemade or store-bought dessert. Lightly roasted or medium roasted Arabica beans are most commonly used in Turkish coffee preparation; nevertheless, the coffee can be made with any coffee beans, and there are numerous regional varieties of it in Türkiye. Apart from Türkiye, Turkish coffee is enjoyed daily in many other countries around the world (especially in the Balkan), and it has been a part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2013, due to its unique preparation and tradition, as well as the significance it has to the country’s social and cultural life. In Greece, Turkish coffee has been called Turkish coffee until there was a conflict with Türkiye and the 1974 invasion of Cyprus, when it started to be called Greek or Cypriot coffee, but the drink itself remained unchanged.

Yufka is a traditional flatbread consisting of flour, water, salt, and olive oil. The unleavened dough is typically rolled with a rolling pin until it develops a paper-thin consistency. It is believed that yufka is an earlier form of phyllo dough. It can be used in the preparation of numerous Turkish pastries, and it is sturdy enough to hold all of the fillings for a shawarma sandwich. In 2016, UNESCO recognized yufka making and sharing culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Hailing from Iranian Gilan province, this simple dish consists of a flavorful combination of pitted olives and pomegranate molasses. The additional ingredients include ground walnuts, garlic, and various fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint, as well as pomegranate seeds, and generous amounts of olive oil. Zeytoon parvardeh is usually served well chilled and is traditionally enjoyed as an appetizer or a snack.

Šljivovica, internationally known as slivovitz, is a clear, potent drink that is distilled from fermented plums. It is produced throughout Central and Eastern Europe—namely Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania. Depending on tradition and the desired taste profile, šljivovica can be distilled once or multiple times, and it benefits from aging in oak which can significantly improve its flavor, color, and aroma. The drink has a long tradition in each region where it is produced, and although it was mainly associated with home production, nowadays there are multiple regional brands available on the market. Regardless of the varieties, šljivovica is always enjoyed neat, preferably served well-chilled in a shot glass. In 2007, various Slavic states reached an agreement with European Union which allowed each country to name their version and protect it under the desired name.

Mirza Ghassemi is an eggplant specialty that hails from the Gilan province of Iran. The dish is prepared with eggplants that are first grilled or charred on an open flame before they are finely chopped and combined with tomatoes, garlic, and turmeric. Finally, eggs are added to blend all the ingredients. Mirza Ghassemi can be prepared in a pan, or as a casserole-dish. It was invented by Mohammad Ghasem Khan, who was once the head of the Gilan province and an Iranian ambassador in Russia. This simple but flavorful dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer when it is usually accompanied by flatbread or as a side dish with rice. 

Keşkek is a traditional ceremonial dish made with lamb or chicken meat combined with wheat or barley stew. The mashed wheat or barley is placed in a bowl, followed by a sauce made with butter, meat broth, and pepper flakes, while the meat is placed on top. Traditionally, keşkek is served as a part of wedding celebrations and religious holidays in the Turkish region of Anatolia. In 2011, the dish became a part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Türkiye.

Haitian pumpkin soup is traditionally served on New Year's Day as a celebratory reminder of Haiti's hard-won liberation from slavery and independence from France. The soup was once a delicacy reserved only for white masters, while the slaves who prepared it were forbidden to eat it, but ever since January 1, 1804 — the day when Haitian revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti’s independence—joumou has become a symbol of liberty that graces every Haitian's table on the first of every January. Apart from pumpkin or squash, the thick, savory joumou is loaded with various other vegetables, beef, and flavorings such as thyme, parsley, and chili peppers.

Anar bij is a traditional stew originating from Gilan. It is made with a combination of ground meat (usually meatballs), onions, turmeric, pomegranate paste, ground walnuts, and various herbs such as parsley and fenugreek. During the cooking process, this stew develops a sour flavor. Anar bij is traditionally prepared and served for special occasions and celebrations.

Sake is the most popular Japanese drink whose first written mention dates back to 3rd century. In its basic form, the drink is made by brewing yeast, koji mold, water and polished rice. All these elements influence the quality of sake, but the crucial part is polishing rice, since the outer layer of rice kernels may impart an undesirable flavor. Depending on pasteurization, age, filtration, and the addition of distilled alcohol, sake may come in a variety of styles that may differ in complexity and the final taste profile. Best quality sake is usually served chilled or at room temperature, and most styles pair exceptionally well with traditional Japanese dishes. It should be noted that the term sake is mostly used outside the country, while in Japan it usually goes as nihonshu (literally, Japanese liquor).