Kyrgyz grain drink wins spot on UNESCO list

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — The traditional knowledge of preparing maksym, a fizzy, nutrient-rich drink made from roasted and fermented grains, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The decision was adopted unanimously on Dec. 10 during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held Dec. 8–13 in New Delhi, Kyrgyz officials said. The inscription concludes a four-year nomination process. Kyrgyzstan submitted its application in 2023, after which the proposal underwent expert evaluation before receiving final approval.

Maksym — widely consumed across Kyrgyzstan — is produced by roasting wheat or barley, mixing it with water and fermenting it naturally. Some regions add sour milk for a deeper flavor. The drink has a tart taste, a subtle bread-like aroma and is valued for its nutritional benefits. Families often pass down recipes through generations, preserving local variations.

UNESCO said 68 nominations are under review this year, including Japan’s handmade paper tradition, India’s Diwali festival, Egypt’s national dish koshari and Switzerland’s Alpine yodeling.

The committee also noted that Uzbekistan has joined the joint Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan nomination on “Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Yurt Making,” contributing a Karakalpak yurt as part of the shared heritage element.

According to UNESCO, 812 cultural elements from 153 countries are now inscribed on its intangible heritage lists. Kyrgyzstan has 16 entries, ranging from the epic trilogy “Manas, Semetey, Seitek” to felt carpet-making, nomadic games and the equestrian sport kok boru.

UNESCO’s Representative List highlights cultural practices that, while not endangered, are vital to global cultural diversity. Elements at risk of disappearing are placed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.