Behzad Miniature Painting Style Registered on UNESCO’s List of Cultural Heritage

Officials of the Directorate of Information and Culture of Herat Province state that, following the completion of technical and cultural procedures, the miniature painting style of Master Kamal al-Din Behzad has been officially registered on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Head of Culture and Arts at the Directorate of Information and Culture stated that the proposal for the registration of the Herat School of Miniature Painting was submitted to UNESCO nearly a year ago. Following approval by UNESCO’s Committee for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage, this ancient art form has now been recognized as a world cultural asset.

The Head of Culture and Arts described this achievement as a great honor for Afghanistan and emphasized that Herat miniature painting is one of the country’s most valuable historical arts. He noted that its registration on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list will help attract greater international attention to the cultural significance of Herat.

Meanwhile, masters of the art of miniature painting say that the Herat miniature style, which has a history of more than six centuries, is one of the most renowned artistic styles of the Eastern world. They added that the registration of this heritage will facilitate better recognition of this art, attract cultural tourists, and create opportunities for increased international support.

It is worth noting that the art of miniature painting is the twenty-third intangible cultural heritage of Afghanistan to be registered with UNESCO.

1447/6/22 AH
12/13/2025