Kyrgyzstan nominates Maksym for UNESCO Representative List in 2025
Bishkek, Dec.10, 2025. /Kabar/. "Traditional Knowledge of Making the Traditional Kyrgyz Drink Maksym" has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
As reported by UNESCO, the decision to inscribe the drink was unanimously adopted today, December 10, at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is taking place from December 8 to 13 this year in New Delhi.
It took four years for this nomination. The application was submitted to the UNESCO Secretariat in 2023 and underwent an evaluation process by independent international experts. The final decision to inscribe the nomination on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was made by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It is noted that a total of 68 nominations are being considered for inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists at this year's committee meeting, including "Traditional Japanese Handmade Paper" (Japan), "Diwali Festival" (India), "Koshari National Dish" (Egypt), "Yodeling - Traditional Alpine Singing" (Switzerland), and others.
Also this year, Uzbekistan, with its Yurt from Karakalpakstan, is joining the "Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Yurt Making" nomination, submitted by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 2014.
"Currently, 812 elements from 153 countries have been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists," the statement says.
In addition, Kyrgyzstan has already inscribed 16 elements of the cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz people on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, including the epic trilogy "Manas, Semetey, Seitek," the art of making felt carpets: ala-kiyiz and shyrdak, nomadic games - the revival of heritage, the celebration of cultural diversity, kok boru, a traditional game, and others.
What is Maksym?: It's a popular, fizzy drink made from fermented ground grains, often mixed with milk or water, a staple in Kyrgyz culture.
