UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Jul. 6, 2025
Orhan Okulu Claims Third Golden Belt at 664th Kırkpınar
The Antaya native defeated Feyzullah Aktürk at the historic olive oil wrestling tournament, widely considered the world's oldest sporting event.
Jun. 25, 2025
Meet the Ligurian Producer Defending a Cultural Heritage
The family behind Tèra de Prie produces award-winning Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil from the thousand-year-old dry stone wall terraces on Italy’s northwestern coast.
Jul. 7, 2024
Yusuf Can Zeybek Repeats Kırkpınar Triumph
The 30-year-old defeated 2022’s de facto champion Mustafa Taş in a cautious but exciting final that went into overtime.
Jun. 25, 2024
Wrestlers Threaten Boycott of Kırkpınar Over Controversial Format Changes
After the federation governing Kırkpınar announced a controversial qualifying format to streamline the competition, 29 wrestlers said they would not participate.
Mar. 27, 2024
Olive Oil and Soparnik Are Indispensable for Croatians at Easter
Olive trees and extra virgin olive oil play important roles in Croatian Christians' celebrations of Holy Week, especially in the flagship dish, Soparnik.
Dec. 29, 2023
Iconic Lebanese Breakfast Receives UNESCO Recognition
Al-man’ouché, the Lebanese breakfast pastry seasoned with olive oil and traditional spices, has been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Dec. 14, 2023 World
Traditional Turkish Olive Cultivation Practices Recognized by UNESCO
Aug. 7, 2023 Production
Olive Oil Production Returns to Pompeii 2,000 Years After Volcanic Eruption
Jul. 10, 2023 Business
Jul. 5, 2022 World
Cengizhan Şimşek Claims Başpehlivan Title at 661st Kırkpınar
Jul. 12, 2021 Fairs, Competitions
Jul. 7, 2019
Ali Gürbüz Wins 658th Kirkpinar Before Record-Breaking Crowds
The two-time former champion defeated Orhan Okulu, last year's winner, to claim the honor of head wrestler at Kırkpınar. This is Gürbüz's first title since his disqualification in the 2013 semi-final.
Jul. 15, 2018
Redemption for Orhan Okulu at 657th Kirkpinar
Last year's runner-up has now claimed victory at the 2018 Kirkpinar olive oil wrestling championship.
Dec. 8, 2017
Neapolitan 'Pizza Twirling' Makes UNESCO List
Two million people signed a petition supporting the official recognition of 'pizzaiuolo' pizza twirling.
Aug. 26, 2016
Jaén Seeks UNESCO Nod for its 'Sea of Olives'
The provincial government of Jaén has been the leader in pursuing the recognition of the unique Andalusian terrain as a World Heritage Site.
Jun. 23, 2014
Fatih Atli Wins 653rd Kirkpinar
This year's wrestling tournament in Turkey required over 100 barrels of olive oil to coat the contestants.
Nov. 20, 2010
Mediterranean Diet Makes UNESCO's Intangible Heritage List
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee inscribed 51 new elements on UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Heritage including the Mediterranean Diet.
Sep. 2, 2010
On Nutella, Olive Oil and Obesity
The recent Nutella affair provoked scandal and outrage in Italy, while the UNESCO decision enshrining olive oil was met with understated pride. What's going on here?