Iran’s House of Music officially objects to UNESCO registration of tar for Azerbaijan

TEHRAN,Dec.31(MNA) -- Iran’s House of Music has officially objected to UNESCO’s decision to inscribe the art of craftsmanship and tar playing on a UNESCO list for the Republic of Azerbaijan. “The objection was announced to Yadollah Parmun, the director of the UNESCO Regional Research Center for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in West and Central Asia during a meeting in Tehran on Saturday,” stated House of Music spokesman Dariush Pirniakan in a press release on Sunday. “A collection of documents and evidence proving that the tar is an Iranian instrument were handed over to him,” he added. “We even showed him some material written by Azeri tar virtuosos and historians who acknowledge the tar is an Iranian instrument,” he stated. Pirniakan said that Parmun agreed to pursue the issue by Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO), Iran’s sole organization responsible for pursuing registration of any cultural sites and items on UNESCO’s various lists. “If the problem is not resolved, we will send a file to UNESCO Headquarters from the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO to protest against their decision,” he noted. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed the art of craftsmanship and performance of the tar, a long-necked stringed instrument, for the Republic of Azerbaijan during its 7th session, which was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 3 to 7 December. Many Iranian cultural organizations censured the UNESCO decision. However, CHTHO has so far made no comment. Member of the UNESCO press service Lucia Iglesias said on December 21 that Iran could apply to UNESCO to register its own tar on the list, too. “Presenting the nomination, Azerbaijan has assured the committee that the tar is being used in this country and it is of particular importance to the Azerbaijani public. Iran can propose to Azerbaijan to expand the current description of the tar and submit its version on tar performing; no one would prevent it,” she told APA, a chief news agencies in Azerbaijan.