The experts arrived in Kyrgyzstan in accordance with the government's decision regarding the optimization of the buffer zone boundaries of Mount Sulaiman-Too, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Their work will take place from January 7 to 12.
International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
The composition of the international group includes:
- Dmitry Voyakin - goodwill ambassador of Kazakhstan, member of the National Commission for UNESCO and ISESCO, authorized representative of the Minister of Culture of Kazakhstan at MondiaCult 2025, coordinator of the "Central Asian Archaeological Landscapes" (CAAL) project at University College London;
- Kai Waize - former president of ICOMOS Nepal, now coordinator of the ICOMOS Regional Network for the Asia-Pacific region;
- Nargiz Aituganova - researcher in cultural heritage.
International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
As part of their visit, the experts plan to prepare a new nomination concerning the optimization of the buffer zone boundaries, as well as conduct an impact assessment on the World Heritage site.
International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
During the meeting, important aspects of preserving the "Sulaiman-Too" site, compliance with UNESCO recommendations, and further steps for preparing the updated nomination were discussed. The Minister emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation with international experts and expressed readiness for joint work to preserve the unique historical and cultural heritage of the Kyrgyz Republic.
International UNESCO experts in Kyrgyzstan working on the "Sulaiman-Too" site.
It should be noted that in 2009, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee included Sulaiman-Too in its list, which ensures international protection for this mountain. Currently, the buffer zone covers approximately 4,788 hectares; however, the government believes that its size can be reduced to free up land for the needs of the city.
