Lusine Mkhitaryan, a People’s Master of Armenia, specialist in Armenian embroidery, and author of multiple publications, has issued a public open letter to Armenia’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO Aram Hakobyan, protesting the organization’s recent decision to register Ayntab embroidery as part of Turkey’s intangible cultural heritage.
In a Facebook post sharing the full letter, Mkhitaryan emphasized that Ayntab embroidery is unquestionably of Armenian origin, supported by extensive historical records, museum artifacts, published literature, living masters, and design developments within Armenia.
She posed six urgent questions and demands:
- When was Armenia’s delegation informed of the nomination? What actions were taken in response, and with whom was the issue discussed?
- How can UNESCO decisions be appealed? She demands an official objection to the registration.
- She calls for Ayntab embroidery to be registered as Armenian heritage, noting that UNESCO allows parallel listings in such cases.
- She demands that applications be filed for other branches of Armenian embroidery to be recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
- She insists that Armenia must declare that appropriating cultural heritage is a form of genocide and is unacceptable.
- She asks how this UNESCO decision affects local artisans, museums, published works, and global perceptions. Should she now teach her students that Ayntab embroidery is “Turkish”?
Mkhitaryan concluded with a stern warning: “If there is no strong reaction, such cultural appropriation of Armenian heritage by other states will only continue. Future injustices depend on your actions today.”
She also stated that the letter has been sent to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
