UNESCO recognises Georgian wheat culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, PM says

The Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO has officially inscribed the culture, traditions and rituals of Georgian wheat on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking a “historic achievement” for Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Sunday.

Speaking at the UNESCO event, Kobakhidze described wheat as an integral part of Georgian identity, spirituality and way of life for millennia.

“This is a world-level recognition of a truth encoded in our genetics - in Georgia, wheat has never been just food. It is an inseparable part of our identity, spirituality and existence for thousands of years,” Kobakhidze said.

He highlighted Georgia’s unique biodiversity in wheat cultivation, noting that 15 of the world’s 20 known wheat species grow on Georgian soil, with five being endemic to the country. He emphasised the centuries-long labour of Georgians in baking bread and maintaining traditions that strengthened family and community, forming the foundation of Georgia’s rich national culture.

“This labour has created the unique diversity that decorates our regions and ultimately forms the basis of our united, rich national culture,” Kobakhidze added.