Craftsmanship and Performing Art of Balaban/Mey

Craftsmanship and Performing Art of Balaban/Mey

The Balaban (Azerbaijan) or Mey (Turkey) is an ancient woodwind made from plum or apricot wood. It features a body, double reed, and clip.
Its crafting and playing techniques, which vary by region in materials and design, are passed down within families and through formal education. The Balaban or Mey is played at various events in their respective countries, symbolizing cultural identity and unity across diverse groups.
Craftsmanship and Performing Art of Balaban/Mey was inscribed in 2023 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Azerbaijan, Turkey.
by Gulustan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Jelican9, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by MrArifnajafov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Craftsmanship and Performing Art of Balaban/Mey

Date of Inscription

2023

See also in Turkey

Spring Celebration, Hıdrellez Nawrouz Mevlevi Sema Ceremony Arts of the Meddah, Public Storytellers Karagöz Âşıklık (Minstrelsy) Tradition Traditional Sohbet Meetings Semah, Alevi-Bektaşi Ritual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival Ceremonial Keşkek Tradition Mesir Macunu Festival Traditional Craftsmanship of Çini-Making Turkish Coffee Culture and Tradition Ebru, Turkish Art of Marbling Whistled Language Traditional Turkish Archery Hüsn-i Hat, Traditional Calligraphy in Islamic Art in Turkey Heritage of Dede Qorqud/Korkyt Ata/Dede Korkut, Epic Culture, Folk Tales and Music Traditional Intelligence and Strategy Game: Togyzqumalaq, Toguz Korgool, Mangala/Göçürme Art of Miniature Flatbread Making and Sharing Culture: Lavash, Katyrma, Jupka, Yufka Traditional Ahlat Stonework Sericulture and Traditional Production of Silk for Weaving Telling Tradition of Nasreddin Hodja/ Molla Nesreddin/ Molla Ependi/ Apendi/ Afendi Kozhanasyr Anecdotes Culture of Çay (tea), a Symbol of Identity, Hospitality and Social Interaction Traditional Knowledge, Methods and Practices Concerning Olive Cultivation Art of illumination: Təzhib/Tazhib/Zarhalkori/Tezhip/Naqqoshlik Craftsmanship of Mother of Pearl Inlay Iftar/Eftari/Iftar/Iftor and its Socio-Cultural Traditions

Related Links

UNESCO Lists World Heitage Sites in Turkey Tentative Lists in Turkey Archaelogical Sites in Turkey