The Republic of Turkiye has achieved a significant cultural milestone with the inscription of Antep isi Embroidery on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi from 8 to 13 December 2025.
The nomination dossier was jointly prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkiye and the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, reflecting a coordinated national and local approach to heritage preservation.
Antep isi Embroidery is a centuries-old needlework tradition practiced using white thread on white fabric. The technique involves meticulously pulling and cutting threads to create intricate motifs, a craft passed down through generations. Beyond its artistic value, Antep isi plays an important socio-economic role, particularly for women, by supporting household incomes, sustaining traditional skills, and reinforcing community ties.
During the committee deliberations, UNESCO commended Turkiye’s submission, describing the Antep isi dossier as a detailed and well-prepared file. The country was recognised for the quality of its safeguarding measures and its emphasis on community participation in preserving living heritage. With this inscription, Turkiye’s total number of elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists has reached 32, including 14 multinational files developed in cooperation with countries sharing common cultural traditions.
Gaziantep, a city with a documented history spanning over 12,000 years and designated as a UNESCO Creative City, continues to position cultural heritage as a cornerstone of its identity. Emphasising the importance of the recognition, Mayor Ms. Fatma Sahin said, “Antep isi 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 isi 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 inscription, Mayor sahin and Turkiye’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Ali Murat Ersoy, received congratulations from international delegations attending the session.
To further introduce Antep isi embroidery and the cultural heritage of Gaziantep to the diplomatic community and Indian stakeholders, Ambassador Ersoy and his spouse, Ms. Fazilet Ersoy, hosted a Gaziantep Promotion Event in New Delhi on 10 December 2025. The event featured a detailed presentation by Mayor sahin on the city’s cultural legacy, along with a curated showcase of Gaziantep’s renowned culinary heritage, including its globally recognised baklava. The event also highlighted the historical cultural and trade links between Turkiye and India, dating back to the Silk Road, and encouraged deeper cooperation across cultural, tourism, and economic domains.
