Ftira

Last updated
Maltese Ftira
Ftira with Tuna in Marsaxlokk 02.jpg
Type Bread
Place of origin Malta
VariationsGozitan open ftira

Ftira is a ring-shaped, leavened, Maltese bread, usually eaten with fillings such as sardines, tuna, potato, fresh tomato, onion, capers and olives. [1] Regional variations include Gozo ftira, which is served more like a pizza than a sandwich. Gozitan ftira is served open with thinly sliced potato over the crust, or folded over like a calzone. [2]

Contents

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Following the Maltese Parliament's unanimous approval to ratify UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, [3] in 2018 Malta's Culture Directorate launched a petition to include the Maltese Ftira as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. [4] [5] [6] [7] According to a local expert, 'The Making of the Ftira Maltija', as it is listed in the Directorate's National Inventory, dates back to the Sixteenth Century. [8] Following a strong public call, the Government of Malta announced that it would be submitting the Maltese ftira to UNESCO for consideration as intangible cultural heritage. [9] [10] In 2020, the Maltese ftira was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. [11] [12] [13] [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity was made by the Director-General of UNESCO starting in 2001 to raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage and encourage local communities to protect them and the local people who sustain these forms of cultural expressions. Several manifestations of intangible heritage around the world were awarded the title of Masterpieces to recognize the value of the non-material component of culture, as well as entail the commitment of states to promote and safeguard the Masterpieces. Further proclamations occurred biennially. In 2008, the 90 previously proclaimed Masterpieces were incorporated into the new Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as its first entries.

An intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge, or skill considered by UNESCO to be part of a place's cultural heritage. Buildings, historic places, monuments, and artifacts are cultural property. Intangible heritage consists of nonphysical intellectual wealth, such as folklore, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge, and language. Intangible cultural heritage is considered by member states of UNESCO in relation to the tangible World Heritage focusing on intangible aspects of culture. In 2001, UNESCO made a survey among states and NGOs to try to agree on a definition, and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was drafted in 2003 for its protection and promotion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Heritage Committee</span> Body selecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The World Heritage Committee is a committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It comprises representatives from 21 state parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term. These parties vote on decisions and proposals related to the World Heritage Convention and World Heritage List.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keşkek</span> Anatolian meat and grain stew that is listed in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Keşkek, also known as kashkak, kashkek, or keške, is a ceremonial meat or chicken and wheat or barley stew found in Turkish, Iranian, Greek, Armenian and Balkan cuisines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soup joumou</span> Haitian soup

Soup joumou is a soup native to Haitian cuisine. In 2021, soup joumou was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World Heritage Convention</span> 1972 international treaty

The World Heritage Convention, formally the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, is an international treaty signed on 23 November 1972, which created the World Heritage Sites, with the primary goals of nature conservation and the preservation and security of cultural properties. The convention, a signed document of international agreement, guides the work of the World Heritage Committee. It was developed over a seven-year period (1965–1972).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists</span>

UNESCO established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance. This list is published by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the members of which are elected by State Parties meeting in a General Assembly. Through a compendium of the different oral and intangible treasures of humankind worldwide, the programme aims to draw attention to the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage, which UNESCO has identified as an essential component and as a repository of cultural diversity and of creative expression.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ojkanje</span>

Ojkanje is a tradition of polyphonic folk singing in Croatia characteristic for the regions of the Dalmatian hinterland, Velebit, Lika, Kordun, and Karlovac. As described in The Harvard Dictionary of Music: "The ojkanje is a particular style of singing melisma with a sharp and prolonged shaking of the voice on the syllables oj or hoj." According to experts, ojkanje is a remnant of pre-Slavic Illyrian singing from the area of ancient Dalmatia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage</span> UNESCO treaty

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is a UNESCO treaty adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on 17 October 2003.

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) includes traditions and living expressions that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular community.

References

  1. "A true taste of Malta". The Telegraph. 10 March 2017.
  2. Rix, Juliet (2015). Malta and Gozo. England: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 68. ISBN   9781784770259.
  3. "Motion to authorise the ratification of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage". Parliament of Malta. March 7, 2017. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  4. "Maltese Ftira – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List hopeful". Newsbook. August 13, 2018. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  5. "PD praises initiative to list ghana and ftira for UNESCO recognition; questions exclusion of festa". Malta Independent. August 19, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  6. "Love The Maltese Ftira? You Can Now Help It Join The Hall Of Fame Of Global Human Heritage". www.change.org. October 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  7. "Is the ftira a marker of identity?". Times of Malta. January 11, 2019. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  8. "What makes the Maltese ftira different from other bread?". TVM. January 17, 2019. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  9. "Press Release by The Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government: Il-'ftira' to be the first element submitted to be part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list". TVM. March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  10. "Maltese 'ftira' to be submitted to UNESCO for consideration as intangible cultural heritage". TVM. March 26, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  11. "Il-Ftira, culinary art and culture of flattened sourdough bread in Malta". UNESCO. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  12. "Maltese ftira added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List". Times of Malta. December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  13. "A Taste Of History! Beloved Maltese Ftira Officially Makes It To UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List". Lovin Malta. December 16, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  14. "International recognition for our traditional ftira". Times of Malta. February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021.