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About Mana Naqsh

"Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art" is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation established in 2015, working in the field of culture and art, with a particular focus on cultural heritage. Recognised for its competency, expertise and experience, "Mana Naqsh" has been officially accredited, by decision of the General Assembly, to provide advisory services to UNESCO under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.


Name and Emblem

The official name of this organisation is "Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art", and its short and emblematic name is "Mana Naqsh". The phrase "Mana Naqsh", meaning "Immortal Impression", encapsulates the foundational purpose, vision, identity, and worldview of the Institute. It is inspired by the celebrated verse of the great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi; this timeless line evokes the fundamental human calling to ̣create a lasting and meaningful legacy in the world.


"The purpose is to leave behind an immortal impression ..."


The word "Heritage" in this name signifies a living bond and an enduring covenant with the memory and cultural legacies of humanity. The very composition of the phrase "Mana Naqsh Heritage" reflects the immortality of heritage and the profound truth that tomorrow's identity is shaped through today's impression, in the continuation and recreation of yesterday's heritage.


The emblem of the Institute features the word "Mana Naqsh" inscribed in Bannai script, repeated in a fourfold cruciform pattern, symbolising balance, harmony and convergence. Bannai is one of the oldest known Persian scripts, traditionally used in architectural ornamentation and historical inscriptions. The choice of this script, along with the repetition of "Mana Naqsh", emphasises the concept of immortality and continuity at the heart of the Institute's emblem and impression. The four turquoise dots are inspired by the symbolic colour of Persian architecture, particularly prominent in Isfahan, the birthplace of "Mana Naqsh".

Foundational Purpose

"Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art" was founded on the belief that cultural heritage is the foundation of identity, social cohesion and communities' cultural sustainability. Its purpose is to play a lasting and meaningful role in introducing, promoting, supporting, and appreciating the magnificent and wisdom-rooted culture of the Persianate world, while also fostering deeper cultural ties with other world cultures.


Mission

The mission of the "Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art" is to play a lasting and effective role in safeguarding and preserving intangible cultural heritage, tangible cultural heritage and natural heritage, while also supporting, enhancing and promoting the culture and art of the Persianate cultural sphere and other regions with shared historical and civilisational ties to it. With steadfast commitment to its values and by employing effective and innovative approaches, the Institute strives, through intercultural dialogue and cultural exchange, grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and cultural diversity, to foster peace, social cohesion, cultural sustainability, and artistic flourishing at national, regional and global levels.


Vision

In its vision, the "Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art" envisions itself as an inspiring, sustainable, and effective organisation at national, regional, and international levels. Drawing on its expertise and experience, and guided by an innovative, participatory, and forward-looking approach, it aspires to be recognised as a pioneering and exemplary non-governmental organisation in the field of culture and art, with a particular emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Persianate world. With steadfast commitment to its mission, "Mana Naqsh" aims to play an enduring and constructive role in advancing cultural sustainability, artistic flourishing, and peace and friendship among communities and nations across present and future generations.


Organisational Core Values

  • Safeguarding and preserving intangible, tangible, and natural heritage, along with commitment grounded in authenticity, values, and cultural wisdom.
  • Respect for ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity; recognising the value of subcultures; and rejecting cultural discrimination.
  • Commitment to cultural exchange, intercultural dialogue and culture of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, peace and friendship among nations, and regional and global cooperation.
  • Belief in the vitality, dynamism, and evolving nature of culture, and support for community-driven creativity and meaningful cultural innovations.
  • Emphasis on participatory approaches and sustainable empowerment of communities in safeguarding and preserving cultural heritage.
  • Applying contemporary knowledge, modern technologies and innovations for safeguarding heritage and promoting sustainable cultural development.
  • Commitment to truthfulness, honesty, cultural integrity, and adherence to ethical and professional principles.
  • Commitment to universal values, cultural diplomacy, and respect for both national and international legal frameworks.

Key Areas of Activity

"Mana Naqsh" engages in a wide range of culture and art activities at the national, regional, and international levels. Its key areas of activity include:

  • Strategic planning, designing, advisory support, and collaborating in the implementation of safeguarding projects and measures related to intangible cultural heritage (ICH)
  • Collaborating in the inventorying and preparing national and multinational nomination files for the inscription of ICH elements
  • Researching, designing, and implementing projects aimed at the identification, interpretation, and awareness-raising regarding the ties between intangible and tangible cultural heritage
  • Capacity-building, training, and empowering local communities, heritage bearers, cultural activists, and experts in the field of cultural heritage
  • Collaborating with universities and research institutions to organise training courses, workshops and seminars on cultural heritage
  • Providing advisory support, designing, and implementing research and study projects in the fields of culture and art
  • Supporting and collaborating on innovative and outstanding culture and art programmes and initiatives in the fields of culture and art
  • Collaborating in the producing audio-visual and multimedia works in culture and art
  • Collaborating in the authorship and publication of books and articles on culture and art
  • Collaborating in organising and curating cultural and artistic events, exhibitions, and symposia
  • Contributing to the design and creation of outstanding works in traditional and visual arts
Projects Events

Network of Collaborators

"Mana Naqsh", through dynamic and effective networking, has consistently been honoured to receive the support, collaboration, and partnership of an extensive range of collaborators including NGOs, research and academic institutions, cultural bodies, and national, regional and international entities, in its projects and activities. Some of its key collaborators include:
  • UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
  • UNESCO Tehran Office (UTO)
  • UNESCO Silk Roads Programme
  • Tehran ICH Centre of UNESCO
  • ICH NGO Forum
  • ECO Cultural Institute
  • Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford, UK
  • Pembroke Shahnameh Centre for Persian Studies, University of Cambridge, UK
  • Pars University of Architecture and Art, Tehran, Iran
  • Dehkhoda Lexicon Institute and International Center for Persian Studies, University of Tehran, Iran
  • National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan
  • Tajik National University
  • Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran
  • Iranian National Commission for UNESCO
  • Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan
  • UNESCO Chair in Islamic Architecture, Iran
  • Isfahan Creative City Centre for Handicrafts and Folk Arts (UNESCO Creative Cities Network), Iran
  • International Mevlana Foundation, Konya, Turkey
  • Iran-Tajikistan Friendship Association
  • Iranian Association for Cooperation with UNESCO
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