Articles Semet – The Bride's Veiling and Unveiling Ritual in Turkmen Culture In traditional Turkmen weddings across Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, a sacred ritual exists known as "Semet" (or Şemek/Şemmet). Thi... The Enduring Legacy of the Silk Road: A Journey to Merv and Köneürgenç The Silk Road, that ancient highway of civilisation and commerce, has left behind irreplaceable treasures in the dust of history. Nisa – The First Capital of the Parthians Nisa is located approximately 18 kilometers west of Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, at the foot of the Kopet Dag mountains. This site is one of... Cradle-Making in Tajikistan: An Ancient Craft Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List Cradle-making (Gahvorasozi) is one of the most valued traditional crafts of Tajikistan. It represents not only the country’s rich cultural identity bu... Nishapur; the Meeting Point of History, Art, and Knowledge Nishapur is one of the oldest and most important historical cities of Iran and the Islamic world; a city that for centuries was a center of science, p... Rain in the Beliefs and Rituals of the People of Afghanistan: A Narrative of Hope, Blessing, and Solidarity Folkloric beliefs form an inseparable part of the historical and cultural memory of every nation. Passed down through rituals, oral traditions, songs,... Ghazal, Ruba‘i, and Masnavi: Enduring Expressions of a Shared Literary Heritage in the ECO Region Classical poetic forms such as the Ghazal, Masnavi, and Ruba‘i are among the most significant shared literary elements among the member states of the ... Hıdırellez; A Reflection of Shared Spring Rituals Across the ECO Region On the evening of May 5 and throughout May 6, small bonfires are lit across parts of Central Asia, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans. People gat... Koytendag: A Geological and Ecological Landscape of Eastern Turkmenistan The Koytendag mountain range in eastern Turkmenistan lies along the border with Uzbekistan and forms part of the broader Kugitang mountain system, whi... Tea Culture in Iran: A Ritual of Connection and Dialogue Perhaps everything begins with a simple moment: the sound of tea being poured into a glass, the gentle rise of steam, and a brief pause before conver... Yalda: A Shared Heritage of ECO Member Countries Introduction: Rediscovering literary heritage, examining the connections between rituals, and exploring other cultural links is not merely a platf... Arts and Crafts in Pakistan Arts and Crafts of Pakistan; A Link of Tradition, Identity, and Creativity: The study of traditional arts in multicultural societies is an effecti... The Social and Economic Role and Status of Women in Kazakhstan and ECO Member States 1. Introduction and Theoretical Framework In recent decades, attention to the role of women in development processes has become one of the main pil... Introduction to the Shina Language The "Shina" language is one of the important branches of the Indo-Aryan linguistic family, as shown in the table below: The Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad: A Legacy of Architectural Splendor and Cultural Grandeur in Herat At the heart of the historic city of Herat stands one of the most treasured architectural legacies of the Timurid era: the Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad Be... Takht-e Rostam of Samangan: A Masterpiece of Stone Carving and Afghanistan’s Buddhist Heritage Among افغانستان’s rich historical and civilizational treasures, Takht-e Rostam stands as one of the most remarkable and unique ancient monuments of th... The Three Main Pillars of Architecture in ECO Member Countries Three elements including: mosques with domes and minarets, traditional houses with central courtyards, and geometric ornamentation and patterns, acros... Mirrajab Dodkhoh Madrasa in Tajikistan Mirrajab Madrasa is a historical architectural monument dating back to the 17th century, located in the Jui Labijar area of Konibodom. Kuhneh Madraseh in Tajikistan Kuhneh Madraseh— an architectural monument dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries, located in Hisor District. It was built of baked bricks to t... Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa in Tajikistan Abdullatif Sultan Madrasa (Kukgumbaz) is considered one of the rarest historical monuments within the city. It was built in the 15th (16th) century by... The Mausoleum of Shah Khamush in Tajikistan The Mausoleum of Shah Khamush is a historical monument dating back to the 13th–14th centuries, located in the village of Langari Kalon in the Muminaba... Storytelling in Afghanistan: From Oral Memory to Contemporary Narratives Storytelling in Afghanistan has deep historical roots and is one of the oldest cultural traditions of the region. It has not only served as a form of ... The birthplace of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Mawlavi is the historic city of Balkh The birthplace of Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Mawlavi is the historic city of Balkh, one of the oldest centers of civilization in Central Asia. This city h... Baltit Fort – Hunza: A Historical Fortress in the Heart of the Karakoram Baltit Fort is located in the Hunza Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters above sea level, n... Traditional Wedding Rituals in Kyrgyzstan Wedding rituals in Kyrgyzstan comprise a complex set of "rites of passage" within Central Asian nomadic culture. Koshma Kachi (Shyrdak) – The Kyrgyz Art of Felt-Making, Mountain Patterns on the Steppe Carpet Shyrdak, known in Kyrgyzstan as "Koshma Kachi," is one of the most authentic and exquisite examples of felt-making art in Central Asia. In Central Asi... Komuz – The National Instrument of Kyrgyzstan and the Voice of the Soul of the Steppe The Komuz, recognized as the "national instrument" of Kyrgyzstan, is an ancient, three-stringed, plucked instrument with a wooden body. Asyk Atu – Traditional Sheep Bone Game, A Shared Nomadic Heritage Asyk Atu, which means "bone tossing" or "playing with asyk" in Kazakh, is one of the oldest and most popular traditional games among the Turkic nomadi... Betashar – The Traditional Bridal Veil-Lifting Ritual in Kazakh Culture Betashar (meaning "face unveiling" or "bridal reveal" in the Kazakh language) is one of the most magnificent and meaningful wedding rituals in Kazakh ... The Ascension Cathedral – Almaty, A Masterpiece of Wooden Architecture in the Heart of the Steppe The Ascension Cathedral, also known as the "Panfilov Cathedral," is located in Panfilov Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, and is undoubtedly ... Khayyam and the Rubaiyat – The Iranian Poet, Philosopher, and Mathematician, Influential on World Literature Hakim Ghiyath al-Din Abu al-Fath Omar ibn Ibrahim Khayyam Nishapuri (1048–1131 AD) is one of Iran’s greatest poets, philosophers, mathematicians, and ... Ta'zieh – Symbol of Shi'a Dramatic Art in Iran Ta'zieh (also known as "Shabih-khani" or "Ta'ziriyah") is a form of religious-ritual performance within the Shi'a tradition that reenacts the events o... Iranian Traditional Music (Radif) – The Codified System of Dastgahs and Avazes Iranian traditional music, also known as the "Radif," is one of the oldest living classical music traditions in the world. Rooted in Persian civilizat... Traditional clothing of Iran’s ethnic groups and tribes Iran is a land of extensive ethnic and cultural diversity, which is clearly reflected in the traditional clothing of its various ethnic groups. Tradit... Atashgah of Baku – Symbol of the Bond between Ancient Iranian Rituals and Caucasian Culture The Atashgah of Baku, located in the village of Surakhany on the Absheron Peninsula, 30 kilometers northeast of central Baku, is considered one of the... Traditional Afghan Cuisine: A Symbol of Hospitality and Collective Identity Afghan cuisine is not merely an art of nutrition, but a true reflection of the climatic, historical, and ethnic diversity of this land. Formed at the ... Qala-e Ikhtiyaruddin (Herat Citadel) – A Historical Fortress Narrating 2,500 Years of Civilization Qala-e Ikhtiyaruddin (also known as the Herat Citadel) stands as one of the largest and most ancient historical fortresses in Afghanistan, prominently... The Shahnameh of Ferdowsi – The National Epic of Iran and the Foundation of Identity for Persian-Speaking Countries The Shahnameh, composed by Hakim Abul-Qâsem Ferdowsi Tusi (940–1020 AD), is the greatest and longest epic composed in the Persian language and stands ... The Soltaniyeh Dome – A Masterpiece of Double-Shelled Domes in Iran and the Islamic World The Soltaniyeh Dome, located in the city of Soltaniyeh (Zanjan Province, northwestern Iran), is the mausoleum of "Öljaitü," the Ilkhanid Mongol ruler ... Azerbaijani Traditional Cuisine – Harvesting the Flavors of the Caucasus Azerbaijani cuisine, shaped at the crossroads of Persian, Turkic, Caucasian, and Russian civilizations, is one of the richest and most diverse culinar... The Tomb Towers of Nakhchivan: 12th-Century Cylindrical and Decagonal Mausoleums In the historic city of Nakhchivan, one of the oldest civilizational centers of the Caucasus, stands a collection of magnificent mausoleums dating bac... Symbolism of Wall Paintings in the Buddhist Caves of Bamiyan A Shared Heritage of Cultural Encounters in the Heart of Central Asia Gandhara Art: A Civilizational Bridge Gandhara Art is an artistic school that flourished in the ancient region of Gandhara (encompassing parts of modern-day eastern Afghanistan and northwe... Pahlevani and Zurkhaneh Rituals; A Union of Sport, Music, and Ethics Zurkhaneh sport, also known as "Ancient Sport," is considered the oldest physical fitness sport in the world, rooted in the martial and military tradi... Hyrcanian Forests; 35-Million-Year-Old Living Fossils The Hyrcanian Forests, located along the southern Caspian Sea, are among the oldest and most valuable forest tracts in the world. Gemstone Cutting and Inlaying Art of Mashhad Mashhad, known as the "Global City of Gemstones," is the unparalleled hub for the art of cutting and setting stones on precious metals in the region. Qasabeh Qanat of Gonabad; The World's Deepest Water Supply The Qasabeh Qanat of Gonabad is a miracle of ancient Iranian engineering in the face of drought. The Lut Desert and Shahdad Kaluts; A Natural Museum The Lut Desert, Iran's first natural site on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is home to phenomena not found with such magnificence anywhere else on Ea... Traditional Lanj Building and Navigation in the Persian Gulf This knowledge, registered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011, is more than just a technical skill; it is a narrative of the thou... The Art of Dambura Making and Music The Dambura is one of the most authentic stringed instruments in the musical culture of northern and central Afghanistan (particularly among the Uzbek... The Rock-Cut Site and Murals of Bamiyan The Bamiyan Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as a crossroads of civilizations from the 1st to the 9th centuries AD. Bala Hissar of Kabul Bala Hissar of Kabul is an ancient fortress perched atop a hill in the southeast of Kabul, serving as the historical nucleus of the city. Naranj Gul Literary Festival (Nangarhar) The "Naranj Gul" (Orange Blossom) poetry symposium is one of the oldest and most formal literary events in eastern Afghanistan, with a history spannin... Darul Aman Palace (Kabul) Constructed in the early 1920s during the reign of King Amanullah Khan and designed by a team of German engineers led by Walter Harten, Darul Aman Pal... Turkmenistan’s Intangible Heritage: From State Policy to Global Registration Strategy and Identity Symbols Introduction In the last decade, Turkmenistan has presented one of the most cohesive models for intangible heritage policy in Central Asia. Relying o... Turkmenistan Civilizational Continuity in the Desert Climate Introduction: The civilization of Transoxiana, beyond classical historical narratives, is the product of "adaptive intelligence" in the face of a har... Historical–Cultural Analysis of Shared Musical Instruments in the ECO Region In order to examine the musical instruments shared among the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), one must consider the histo... Nowruz in Iran: The Feast of Earth and Time in the Cradle of Civilization Nowruz in Iran is far more than a mere calendar change; it represents the highest manifestation of national culture and the profound connection betwee... Nowruz: From the Myth of Jamshid to the Shared Heritage of Ten ECO Member States (Three Thousand Years of Celebrating Life Across a Civilization) Nowruz, the ancient celebration of the arrival of spring and the New Year, stands ... Turquoise Inlay Art (Firoozeh-Koobi), A Fusion of Creativity and Iranian Tradition Historically, Iran has been renowned for its high-quality turquoise mines, a key factor behind the flourishing of turquoise inlay art and turquoise ex... Ramadan in Tajikistan The holy month of Ramadan in Tajikistan, a country with a Muslim majority and a deep cultural and religious heritage, reflects a unique harmony of tra... Ramadan Customs and Traditions in Kazakhstan The Republic of Kazakhstan is a country with a Muslim majority. In recent decades, the inclination toward fasting among both the youth and the elderly... Hisorak Fortress Hisorak Fortress is an important architectural monument located in northern Tajikistan, in Kuhistoni Mastchoh District of Sughd Region, near the villa... Islamic Art and Architecture in Afghanistan: Afghanistan is one of the key lands in the historical development of Islamic art and architecture. Due to its geographical position as a crossroads of... Ramadan in Afghanistan Ramadan in Afghanistan, like in other Muslim countries, holds special significance, and the people of this country welcome the holy month with unique ... Iranian Gardens: A Reflection of Art and Ancient Heritage The ensemble of Iranian gardens was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. This listing includes nine prominent gardens from different h... The Ancient Tradition of Nomadic and Tent-Dwelling Life in ECO Member Countries Tent-dwelling, as a lifestyle and traditional residential pattern, represents a shared cultural phenomenon among certain countries in the Economic Coo... Ramadan in Turkmenistan: A Manifestation of Faith, Peace, and Social Solidarity The Holy Month of Ramadan in Turkmenistan is more than just a period of individual worship; it is a profound display of social cohesion, cultural heri... Nowruz in Turkmenistan: A Civilizational Renewal Along the Silk Road In the vast cultural landscape of Central Asia, Nowruz is more than just a calendar transition; it is a "Cultural Manifesto" narrating the unbreakable... Gurug Dance: Traditional Turkmen Ceremony The Gurug Dance is one of the most emblematic traditional practices of the Turkmen people, performed during cultural ceremonies, local festivals, and ... Shorba (Ashkaleh): Traditional Turkmen Soup and a Symbol of Culinary Identity Shorba (Ashkaleh) is one of Turkmenistan’s most significant traditional dishes, valued both nutritionally and culturally. This hearty soup is typicall... The Mugh Mountain Fortress The Mugh Mountain Fortress is located on the left bank of the Zarafshan River in Tajikistan, near the village of Khairabad and 15 km from the city of ... Iranian Gardens: A Reflection of Art and Ancient Heritage he ensemble of Iranian gardens was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. This listing includes nine prominent gardens from different hi... The Persian Language: The Shared Civilizational Pillar of the ECO Region The Persian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world, with more than 2,500 years of continuous written and cultural history. Tourism in Turkmenistan: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Central Asia Turkmenistan, a land of the vast Karakum Desert, modern cities like Ashgabat and Arkadag, and the radiant legacy of the Silk Road, remains one of Cent... Bagshy Music and Turkmen Storytelling: A Vibrant Symbol of Nomadic Culture Bagshy music and Turkmen storytelling reflect the rich heritage of Turkmenistan’s nomadic life and form an integral part of Central Asia’s cultural id... Wedding Traditions in Turkmenistan: Attire, Customs, and Family Relations Marriage in Turkmen culture is not merely a union between two individuals but a bond between families and, at times, entire tribes. This event serves ... Turkmen jewelry Traditions: A Treasure of Art and Identity Turkmen traditional jewelry, with its masterful silverwork and intricate designs, embodies the nomadic art and cultural identity of Turkmenistan. From... Silk Roads: Turkmenistan’s Archaeological Crossroad For centuries, the Silk Roads linked East and West through trade, diplomacy, and cultural encounters. Between the 2nd century BCE and the 15th century... Turkmen Carpets: Weaving Heritage, Uniting Cultures Turkmen carpets, known as haly or kilim, are vibrant symbols of Turkmenistan’s cultural identity, weaving together intricate geometric patterns, vivid... The Nomadic Life of the Turkmen: A Living Legacy of Culture and Tradition The nomadic life of the Turkmen, deeply rooted in Central Asian history, forms an integral part of Turkmenistan’s cultural identity. The Turkmen, prim... Nowruz in Turkmenistan: A Celebration with Shared Regional Roots Among the vibrant cultural celebrations of Turkmenistan, Nowruz stands out as a timeless symbol of renewal and the start of the new year. Inscribed on... The Borderless Language of the Soul: Mystical Music in Iran and the ECO Member States and Its Role in Cultural Dialogue Mystical music is a form of spiritual music that emerges with the aim of inner journeying, drawing closer to God, and experiencing spiritual states su... Korkut Ata: Kazakhstan’s Eternal Epic and a Shared Global Heritage In the ancient Turkic traditions, particularly within the authentic beliefs of the people of Kazakhstan, "Korkut Ata" is more than just a mythological... Archaeological Heritage of Iran and ECO Member Countries The most important historical and archaeological site in Iran is "Shahr-e Sukhteh (Burnt City) in Sistan and Baluchistan, which dates back to the 3rd ... The Secrets of Arts and Crafts Across Pakistan’s Provinces Pakistan, with its rich history and cultural diversity, is home to unparalleled arts and crafts. Each province tells a story through its artistic crea... The Caspian Sea, A Platform for Cultural Exchanges Among ECO Member States The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world, geographically located between Europe and Asia. Legally, it is considered neither ... The Art of Marquetry (Moarraq) in Iran The art of marquetry (moarraq) is one of the most prominent and delicate traditional arts of Iran, with deep roots in Iranian culture, architecture, a... Qawwali: The Link Between Music, Mysticism, and Culture in Pakistan Qawwali music is undoubtedly one of the most prominent cultural symbols of Pakistan and is performed at festivals as well as religious and cultural ce... Introduction to the City of Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan, the Cradle of a Mysterious Civilization Mohenjo-daro is one of the most important and astonishing ancient cities in the world, located in present-day southern Pakistan, in Sindh Province, ne... Nowruz, Haftseen, and Cultural Solidarity Among the Nations of the ECO Region Haftseen is an arrangement and a table consisting of seven symbolic elements representing different aspects of life and well-being, whose names begin ... The History of Nowruz in Iran and ECO Member Countries Since 3000 BCE, two major festivals were celebrated in Central and Western Asia: The Festival of Creation in early autumn and the Resurrection Festiva... International Culinary Championship: A Global Stage for Gastronomic Excellence The International Culinary Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of chefs, bringing together culinary talents from across con... Pushtab Castle: A Fortress Floating on the Skies of Arasbaran If you are looking for a place where you can not only touch history but also conquer an altitude generally reserved for eagles, your destination is Pu... Prominent Artists with Disabilities from the ECO Region's Cultural Sphere On the Occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities The area covered by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), with its deep-... Santur, a Traditional Iranian Instrument, and Its Spread in the ECO Region Based on studies and research, the Santur is considered one of the oldest instruments of the Iran's cultural sphere. The earliest evidence of this ins... National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan In 1940, the base of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR was transformed into a branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR in Tajikistan, which inc... Polo (Chogan) in ECO Member Countries Today, more than 77 countries hold polo competitions and special programs. Polo was also among the sports played in the Olympic Games from 1900 to 193... Turkmen Gol Motifs: The Geometric Language of Identity and Meaning Abstract Gol motifs in Turkmen art go far beyond carpet decoration; they embody symbolic, historical, and social meanings. These geometric and symmet... The Art of Weaving the Persian Handwoven Carpet The art of carpet weaving and the production of hand-woven Persian carpets date back to the earliest periods of Iranian art and culture. The worldwide...