Iran’s Ayeneh-Kari Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: The art of mirrorwork, known as Ayeneh-kari in Iranian architecture, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The element was registered under the title “Ayeneh-Kari, the Art of Mirrorwork in Persian Architecture” following a decision taken at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held over the weekend in New Delhi, India.
UNESCO’s recognition of this medieval art form further strengthens Iran’s standing among the world’s leading countries in cultural heritage. Iran currently has 29 registered tangible and natural heritage sites, along with 27 elements listed as intangible cultural heritage.
Iran submitted the nomination file for Ayeneh-kari in April 2024. The dossier was subsequently reviewed and endorsed by UNESCO’s evaluation body before receiving final approval from the Intergovernmental Committee.
Ayeneh-kari is a distinctive form of interior decoration in which artists assemble finely cut pieces of mirror into intricate geometric, calligraphic and floral designs. Deeply rooted in Iran’s architectural traditions, the art reflects the country’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and mastery of craftsmanship.
Historically, mirrorwork has been widely used in the decoration of royal palaces, mansions and mosques. Among the most renowned examples is the Ayeneh Khaneh in Isfahan, where columns, walls and ceilings of the veranda and main reception hall are entirely adorned with small mirror fragments. Other prominent manifestations of this art include the Mirror Hall of Golestan Palace in Tehran and sections of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan.
The inscription is seen as an important step in safeguarding and promoting Ayeneh-kari as a living cultural tradition and highlighting its universal value on the global stage.
