TIRANA, Dec 14 /ATA/ – Albania’s traditional string instrument, the lahuta (lute), has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
The art of crafting, playing and singing with the lahuta – regarded as one of the most treasured elements of Albania’s cultural identity – has now gained international recognition as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Speaking on his podcast “Flasim” (Let’s Talk) on Sunday, Rama described the inscription as “one of the most meaningful successes of our Ministry of Culture and Tourism in protecting and promoting our national and cultural identity.”
Rama said the tradition of making the lahuta and performing epic songs accompanied by it had been formally recognised by UNESCO under its urgent safeguarding mechanism.
He recalled that the nomination file, prepared in line with UNESCO’s highest standards, was submitted in March 2024, and thanked all those involved in the process for their commitment and dedication.
The tradition of singing, playing and crafting the lahuta represents a core element of cultural identity in Albania’s rural northern regions and adjacent areas, cultivated over centuries in territories including Malësia e Madhe, Dukagjin, Malësia e Gjakovës, Rugova, Drenica, Plavë and Guci.
Through the hands of the lahutar, the Epic of the Frontier Warriors (Eposi i Kreshnikëve) and other northern Albanian ballads have for centuries conveyed values of bravery, resilience, honour, loyalty and hospitality.
/m.m/a.f/u.sh/
