Betashar Included in UNESCO Cultural Heritage

An ancient Kazakh ritual, betashar, has been included in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, Orda.kz reports.

Betashar is a tradition that Kazakhs perform at weddings. To the accompaniment of an akyn's song, the bride bows, and the white cloth covering her face is removed, presenting it to the assembled guests. It ends with a blessing and a festive feast.

 The State Advisor of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Karin, said the inclusion of Betashar in the list of cultural heritage was announced at a UNESCO meeting in Paraguay.

In the capital of Paraguay, Asuncion, at a meeting of the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, one of the ancient Kazakh rites, Betashar, was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,he wrote.

Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev spoke about some Kazakh traditions being included in the World Heritage List this spring. 

The Head of State mentioned betashar and salburyn, a traditional hunt.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova