Türkiye’s Antep İşi Embroidery Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in New Delhi

UNESCO Recognition for Traditional Turkish Needlework

The Republic of Türkiye secured the inclusion of Antep İşi Embroidery on the UNESCO Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the 20^th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi from December 8 to 13, 2025.

The nomination was jointly prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye and the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality. With this addition, Türkiye now has 32 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, including 14 multinational files developed with partner countries.

Antep İşi Embroidery is a traditional needlework technique in which white thread is used on white fabric. The process involves pulling and cutting threads to form detailed patterns that have been passed down through generations. The craft continues to play a socio-economic role in the Gaziantep region, particularly by supporting women through income generation and community engagement.

During the committee proceedings, UNESCO acknowledged Türkiye’s submission, noting the quality of documentation and the safeguarding measures outlined in the dossier. The committee also highlighted the importance of community participation in preserving living heritage.

Gaziantep, recognised as a UNESCO Creative City, reiterated its focus on preserving cultural practices linked to the city’s long history. Speaking on the recognition, Fatma Sahin stated, “Antep İşi embroidery has always held a central place in the preservation of our cultural heritage and stands as one of the most cherished elements in a young woman’s dowry. As someone who personally experienced the importance of Antep İşi within my own life—as a daughter of this city and as your mayor—I am deeply proud and moved by this new UNESCO recognition. We are pleased that this treasured embroidery has now been protected under an international framework that aligns with the United Nations’ goals for sustainable development, the empowerment and education of girls, and the strengthening of family economies. From the local to the global, from tradition to the future, safeguarding this precious art form brings us immense satisfaction.”

Following the announcement, Sahin and Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to New Delhi, received congratulations from international delegations attending the session.

To introduce Antep İşi Embroidery and the cultural heritage of Gaziantep to the diplomatic community in India, Ersoy and his spouse, Fazilet Ersoy, hosted a Gaziantep Promotion Event on December 10, 2025. The event included a presentation by Sahin on the city’s history and traditions, along with a culinary showcase featuring Gaziantep’s regional cuisine, including baklava. The event also highlighted historical links between India and Türkiye dating back to the Silk Road.