Beyond the ordinary

Intangible heritage goes beyond the ordinary because it represents the soul of a culture, capturing the traditions, practices, and knowledge passed down through generations. Unlike physical objects or monuments, intangible heritage lives in the hearts and minds of people. By prioritizing a legal lens, the approach of the research ensures that complex challenges are viewed through the structure and implications of national, European, and global laws and regulations, while also considering how they impact and are influenced by other disciplines. 

Celebrating Intangible Religious Heritage: A Living Legacy

  • Intangible religious heritage is the heart and soul of humanity’s spiritual and cultural identity. Unlike physical artifacts, this heritage is alive and dynamic, evolving with time while remaining deeply rooted in history.
  • It fosters a sense of belonging and unity, connecting communities to their spiritual origins and offering guidance in contemporary life. Whether it’s the chanting of mantras, the lighting of candles during a sacred ritual, or the storytelling of ancient myths, intangible religious heritage bridges the past and present, preserving the wisdom and values of diverse cultures around the globe.
  • We are committed to providing unique insights into the unseen aspects of religious cultural heritage from cultural, legal, political, religious, art-historical, archaeological, social, and folkloric perspectives. 

Understanding Intangible Heritage: What It Means and Why It Matters

  • This type of heritage is crucial because it fosters a sense of identity and continuity within communities, connecting people to their history and promoting cultural diversity in an increasingly globalized world. By preserving intangible heritage, we protect the unique perspectives and creative expressions that shape our humanity. It also promotes mutual respect and understanding between cultures, ensuring that these traditions remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
  • Fueled by a passion for understanding diverse religious traditions, we are committed to providing a complex, comprehensive, and innovative study.

UNESCO: The Main International Legal Framework for Intangible Cultural Heritage

1. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO 2003 Convention is the core international treaty dedicated to intangible heritage. It defines ICH as living traditions and practices that communities recognise as part of their cultural identity.

Key components of the Convention:

a) Definition of ICH
Includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, traditional craftsmanship, and knowledge about nature and the universe.

b) Objectives

  • Safeguard intangible heritage

  • Ensure respect for cultural practices

  • Raise awareness of cultural diversity

  • Promote international cooperation

d) State Obligations

Countries that ratify the Convention must:

  • Adopt legislative, administrative, and financial safeguarding measures

  • Create and maintain national inventories of ICH

  • Support documentation, transmission, and education

  • Report regularly on implementation progress

e) UNESCO Lists and Tools

  • Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

  • List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

  • Register of Good Safeguarding Practices

  • International Assistance Fund

2. Operational Directives

UNESCO implements the Convention through Operational Directives, which guide:

  • Nomination and inscription procedures

  • International assistance mechanisms

  • Community participation standards

  • Sustainability and environmental considerations

  • Accreditation of NGOs

These directives are updated periodically and function as the Convention’s practical rulebook.

3.  The 1989 UNESCO Recommendation

It is an early effort to emphasize the need to protect the rich tapestry of folklore, traditions, and expressions that define humanity’s shared legacy. This landmark document called on nations to recognize the intrinsic value of folklore—not just as relics of the past, but as living, dynamic elements of cultural identity. 

EU Policies and Regulations: Supporting Framework for Intangible Cultural Heritage

The European Union does not have its own legal text on Intangible Heritage, but recognises tangible, intangible, natural and digital heritage as interconnected. Its role relies on the EU Treaties and a series of cultural-policy frameworks that support, complement and fund Member States’ safeguarding measures.

Legal Basis: Art. 167 TFEU and Art. 17 TFEU

-Art.167 of the TFEU defines the EU’s role in cultural policy:

  • The EU can support and supplement national actions

  • The EU cannot harmonize national laws in the cultural field

  • Cultural heritage — including intangible heritage — is recognized as a European priority

- Art. 17 of the TFEU defines the EU's relationship with religious, philosophical, and non-confessional organizations:

  • It ensures respect for cultural and philosophical diversity while maintaining separation of powers. 
  • It guarantees these organizations freedom to dialogue with EU institutions,  while reflecting the EU's values of tolerance and respect, fostering collaboration among member states.

a) EU key policy frameworks include:

  • European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage
    Promotes an integrated, participatory approach; covers living traditions and community practices.

  • EU Work Plans for Culture
    Set priorities for cultural cooperation among Member States.

b) Climate and Risk-Management Strategies

ICH is integrated into EU guidelines for:

  • Climate adaptation

  • Risk management

  • Disaster prevention and resilience

c) Funding Programmes

Several EU programmes provide direct support for projects related to intangible heritage:

  • Creative Europe (Funds cultural cooperation, performing arts, oral traditions, and community initiatives).

  • Horizon Europe (Cluster 2)(Funds research and innovation projects focused on ICH transmission, digital safeguarding, and community resilience).

Main Issues

Intangible religious heritage faces numerous challenges in today's world. These include:

  • no existing legal framework specifically designed to address intangible religious heritage: rather, intangible heritage is always instrumental and/or subordinate to tangible heritage.
  • risk of political instrumentalization, where religious practices and traditions are manipulated for political gain, thereby distorting their original purpose and value.
  • disappearance of such heritage often stems from institutional neglect, as insufficient support or resources are allocated to protect and promote these traditions. 
  • relationship between the state and religious groups, where tensions or misunderstandings can hinder efforts to preserve these cultural treasures, especially when religious freedom and minority groups are involved. 
  • difficult implementation and preservation efforts, as policies and measures aimed at safeguarding intangible religious heritage may lack clarity, coordination, or genuine engagement with the communities involved.