“UNESCO has inscribed ‘Georgian Wheat Culture: Traditions and Rituals’ on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is a particularly significant moment for our nation and our culture,” stated Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of Parliament, during a plenary session.

As Shalva Papuashvili noted, scientific research has demonstrated, and UNESCO has now confirmed, that Georgia is one of the most ancient centres of wheat cultivation.

“Wheat varieties that are evolutionarily close to wild wheat species are preserved only in Georgia. These include Zanduri, Colchic asli, and Makha. Fourteen natural wheat species have been discovered and documented on Georgian territory, which represents 70% of all cultivated wheat species. Five of these are endemic. Furthermore, more than 154 wheat varieties have been identified in Georgia. Archaeological studies at Georgian sites have revealed wheat remains dating to the sixth millennium BC, confirming that wheat cultivation has continued uninterrupted in our country for 8,000 years, parallel to our winemaking tradition. This establishes our country as one of the most ancient centres of bread and wine,” Shalva Papuashvili stated.

The Speaker of Parliament expressed his gratitude to all those whose efforts contributed to achieving this significant recognition.

“I wish to thank Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, the Ministry of Culture, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, scientists, organisations, and everyone involved in the research process. Extensive research has been conducted, covering not only wheat culture itself but also the surrounding traditions, including bread-baking traditions, which has ultimately been crowned with yet another success for our country, undoubtedly a proud achievement for the preservation and promotion of our historical heritage,” Shalva Papuashvili declared.