Urgent Safeguarding List

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Urgent Safeguarding List

CONVENTION FOR THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE

SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Twelfth session

Jeju Island, Republic of Korea 4 to 8 December 2017

Nomination file no. 00658

for inscription in 2017 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

A. State(s) Party(ies)

For multi-national nominations, States Parties should be listed in the order on which they have mutually agreed.

Turkey

B. Name of the element

B.1. Name of the element in English or French

Indicate the official name of the element that will appear in published material.

Not to exceed 200 characters

Whistled language

B.2.Name of the element in the language and script of the community concerned, if applicable

Indicate the official name of the element in the vernacular language, corresponding to its official name in English or French (point B.1).

Not to exceed 200 characters

Islık Dili

B.3. Other name(s) of the element, if any

In addition to the official name(s) of the element (point B.1), mention alternate name(s), if any, by which the element is known.

Kuşdili, Işıklık, Işılık, Işıldık, Iklık.

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C. Name of the communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned

Identify clearly one or several communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals concerned with the nominated element.

Not to exceed 150 words

It is estimated that currently nearly 10.000 people in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region are able to speak and/or understand whistled language. Whistled language is widely spoken in Giresun, mainly in the Çanakçı district. However, the element is rarely used in the villages of the districts such as Görele, Eynesil, Tirebolu and Kürtün.

Furthermore, Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association (Kuşdilini Yaşatma Kültür ve Turizm Derneği) has been established to achieve objectives, such as how to sustain the whistled language, how to help to transmit it on to future generations and, by safeguarding this cultural heritage, prevent its disappearance through its promotion at local, national and international level, and by facilitating relevant scientific and academic research. The association is continuing activities, as an effective civil society organization, and with the participation and support of the local community.

D.

Geographical location and range of the element

Provide information on the distribution of the element within the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s), indicating if possible the location(s) in which it is centred. Nominations should concentrate on the situation of the element within the territories of the submitting States, while acknowledging the existence of same or similar elements outside their territories, and submitting States should not refer to the viability of such intangible cultural heritage outside their territories or characterize the safeguarding efforts of other States.

Not to exceed 150 words

The whistled language is practiced in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region where transportation is impracticable due to the rugged topography. The region where whistled language is keeping alive, includes the following communities:

The element is widely practiced in;

Çanakçı district of Giresun: Kuşköy, Karabörk Villages The element is very rarely practiced in;

Çanakçı district of Giresun: Deregözü, Doğanköy, Akköy, Çağlayan Köyü, Bakımlı, Egeköy, Yeşilköy and Sarayköy Villages.

Görele district of Giresun: Karlıbel, Yukarısığırlık, Aşağısığırlık, Esenli and Hamzalı Villages.

Eynesil district of Giresun: Ören Village Tirebolu district of Giresun: Danisman Village

Kürtün district of Gümüşhane: Uluköy and Günyüzü Villages.

It’s identified that until 50 years ago, it was being spoken in certain districts, especially in Trabzon, Rize, Ordu, Artvin and Bayburt; although, it has now either disappeared or is limited to a few words spoken by shepherds.

E. Domain(s) represented by the element

Tick one or more boxes to identify the domain(s) of intangible cultural heritage manifested by the element, which might include one or more of the domains identified in Article 2.2 of the Convention. If you tick ‘others’, specify the domain(s) in brackets.

oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage performing arts

social practices, rituals and festive events

knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe

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traditional craftsmanship other(s)

F. Contact person for correspondence

F.1. Designated contact person

Provide the name, address and other contact information of a single person responsible for all correspondence concerning the nomination. For multi-national nominations provide complete contact information for one person designated by the States Parties as the main contact person for all correspondence relating to the nomination.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.): Mr.

Family name: DUNDAR Given name: Gultekin

Institution/position: Ministry of Culture and Tourism/Expert

Address: İsmet İnönü Bulvarı No: 32 Kat: 9 Oda: 905 06100 Emek/Ankara Turkey Telephone number: +90 312 2128300/2927

E-mail address: gultekin.dundar@kulturturizm.gov.tr g.dundar58@hotmail.com

Other relevant

information: serkanemirerkmen@hotmail.com

F.2. Other contact persons (for multi-national files only)

Provide below complete contact information for one person in each submitting State, other than the primary contact person identified above.

1. Identification and definition of the element

For Criterion U.1, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’.

This section should address all the significant features of the element as it exists at present, and should include:

a. an explanation of its social functions and cultural meanings today, within and for its community, b. the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners of the element,

c. any specific roles, including gender or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element,

d. the current modes of transmission of the knowledge and skills related to the element.

The Committee should receive sufficient information to determine:

a. that the element is among the ‘practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills — as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith —’;

b. ‘that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize [it] as part of their cultural heritage’;

c. that it is being ‘transmitted from generation to generation, [and] is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history’;

d. that it provides communities and groups involved with ‘a sense of identity and continuity’; and

e. that it is not incompatible with ‘existing international human rights instruments as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development’.

Overly technical descriptions should be avoided and submitting States should keep in mind that this section must explain the element to readers who have no prior knowledge or direct experience of it. Nomination files need not address in detail the history of the element, or its origin or antiquity.

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Not fewer than 750 or more than 1,000 words

Whistled language is the name given to a method of communication that uses whistles, a sound made with the help of the fingers, tongue, teeth, lips and cheeks, to simulate and articulate words. Whistled language is a variety of shrill sounds, which are created by forming the tongue into specific shapes in the mouth and using the vocal chords to articulate a wide range of phonemes. Based on a variety of syllables, the language is produced by combining different sounds or tones that emanate from the vocal chords. Words in any spoken language can be articulated using this whistling technique.

The challenging and mountainous terrain, which create a tough environment in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region, have resulted in cultural practices that are very different from other parts of the country. One of these practices, most of which relate to nature and the environment, is the whistled language. The steep mountains and rugged topography of the region have resulted in houses being built that are remote and inaccessible from one another, giving rise to the local population finding an alternative way to carry out daily communication through the use of high pitched, loud sounds, which are created by whistling across the large distances. How this obstacle to face to face communication has been resolved is a strong indicator of human creativity.

Whistled language, which can also be seen in various other regions of the world, is an environmentally friendly form of communication that not only makes life easier and more harmonious but also reinforces social bonds for the people living in the region. Whistled language has a melodious and rhythmic pattern that is formed by combining many distinctive sounds that are established by consensus. With these patterns of sound, it can be possible to simulate, morphemes used in daily life, such as “Okay”, “come” and “go”; to exchange short dialogues for warning and SOS or calling for help, such as “There is a forest fire!” and “Would you like to join us tomorrow to harvest hazelnuts?”. Although the determining factor in the use of this language is the emulation and recognition of fixed phrases expressed using the whistled language technique, new words and phrases that are entering the modern lexicon can also be incorporated. In other words, the cultural life of the element is constantly being renewed with the introduction of up to date expressions.

Given the possible negative impact of modern technology on the natural environment and aspects of human health, one can see that not only is this element environmentally friendly, it also appears to contribute to environmental sustainability. The bearers of this linguistic legacy are now trying to broaden its use in their region by focusing on the element’s environmentally friendly characteristics.

The whistled language is used as a cultural means of expression by all segments of society, with no distinction in terms of age, gender, young and old. The practitioners of the element are mainly agricultural communities who spend most of their lives outdoors. In addition, governorates, district authorities, municipalities, universities, and mukhtars (village representative) all play an active role in safeguarding the whistled language with administrative and financial contributions, while the Community Education Center in the Çanakçı District contributes with educational programs and the Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association contributes with projects and various social events and activities.

Used to meet daily communication needs with its melodious and rhythmic pattern, whistled language is therefore not only a functional indicator of human creativity, it also has an aesthetic quality. Whistled language is an apparent part of the users’ cultural identities and the concerned communities consider that the reflection of their cultural identity is one of the reinforcing elements of interpersonal communication and social solidarity. In this context, naming the village that has been sustaining this cultural indicator, as “Kuşköy” (meaning: bird village), shows that they perceive it as an element of their cultural identity. Moreover, in Kuşköy Village, the whistled language is also called as “bird language”.

In spite of all the rapid changes in communication, transmission and technological developments, whistled language is transmitted from one generation to the next in the context of parent-child relation through both informal and non-formal education methods. Nonetheless, traditional methods are more commonly used in the transmission of the whistled language between generations. The families speaking the language are transferring their knowledge to their children through practical application and encouraging their children to maintain the

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tradition.

Communities and individuals related to the element have been conducting various activities in order to promote this linguistic element of their culture at national and international level, thus ensuring its cultural sustainability. In this context, since 1997, the Bird Language Festival has been held in Kuşköy, village in Çanakçı district of Giresun, where there is strong awareness of the fact that this language should be safeguarded and maintained before it disappears, by being transmitted from generation to generation. During the festival, which is called Bird Language Festival because of the language’s similarity with bird language, competitions related to the element are held to encourage the good use and improvement of the language. The aim of the Festival, which is attended by local communities, the bearers of this cultural legacy and local and foreign tourists and is supported by both local and national government, is to keep interest in the whistled language alive at local, national and international level. Also, since 2014, the Public Education Center in Çanakçı district has been providing training programs on whistled language to primary school students in the villages.

These days, with the increasing use of mass media, interpersonal communication is weakening and social divides are deepening. Particularly during a time such as this, whistled language, as a natural communication tool, supports not only mutual understanding, respect and solidarity, but also the environment, in terms of sustainable development.

2. Need for urgent safeguarding

For Criterion U.2, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element is in urgent need of safeguarding because its viability is at risk despite the efforts of the community, group or, if applicable, individuals and State(s) Party(ies) concerned’.

Describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of its transmission, the demographics of its practitioners and audiences and its sustainability.

Identify and describe the threats to the element’s continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of those threats. The threats described here should be specific to the element concerned, not generic factors that would be applicable to any intangible heritage.

Not fewer than 750 or more than 1,000 words

Although the concerned community is well aware of the importance and value of this language, as a result of technological developments and socio-economic changes, there has been a decline both in the number of people using the whistled language and areas where it is spoken.

In particular, rapid developments in the field of communication and the use of more convenient technological devices have resulted in a decrease in the need for this element.

One of the most important threats to this element is the increase in the use of mobile phones.

Prior to mobile phones, whistled language was being learned from a very early age and was a communication tool commonly used by almost all members of the community. Today, however, it is about to lose its communication function.

It is also clear that the new generations’ interest in whistled language has considerably diminished. As a consequence, there is a risk that the element will gradually transform from its fundamental sphere of use and be torn apart from its natural environment, to become an entertainment oriented, artificial practice. That is why there is a need for incentives that will enable these cultural elements to survive in their natural surroundings. To inscribe the whistled language on the List for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding will make an important contribution to the creation of means of stimulus.

This element of the region’s cultural heritage, which was improved and still survives as a communication system, contributes to cultural diversity as one of the distinctive examples of human self-expression. Scientific researches have ascertained that people who speak whistled language use both the right and left sides of their brain equally and the concerned communities believe that this makes a positive contribution to their creativity. That is why the gradual disappearance of this aspect of the communities’ cultural heritage is an important threat in terms of human creativity, skill and talent.

Since most of the bearers, who are competent in the phonetics and semantics of whistled

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language, are old and physically weak, its use has been on the decline, its sustainability is threatened, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for the language to be transmitted from one generation to the next. Another important risk, in terms of the sustainability of the whistled language, may result if the vocabulary becomes increasingly limited over time.

The region’s emigration rate is one of the highest in Turkey and the environmental conditions, which were among the factors that brought whistled language into being in the first place, is now one of the major factors behind the high emigration rate from the region. Socio-economic factors are also behind the acceleration in rural-urban migration. This situation leads to a decrease in the number of individuals, groups and communities related to the element and further threatens its viability.

In addition, as a result of globalization and changing lifestyles, the interest of the region’s young population in whistled language is also rapidly decreasing. This lack of interest in the language is one of the biggest threats to the safeguarding and improvement of its rich vocabulary, range and frequency of use.

In spite of all endeavours by central and regional administrations responsible for safeguarding cultural heritage in Turkey, and measures being taken by NGOs and cultural bearers, there is concern that the whistled language may soon totally disappear, unless essential safeguarding measures are undertaken using an integrated approach.

It can be seen that, within the framework of their responsibilities and respect towards their environment and traditions, the bearers who perceive the element as a part of their cultural heritage are trying to maintain it - although only within a narrow geographical area - and transmit it to future generations. Festivals that include activities like competitions and shows, are being held in the region where social awareness of the language is high in order to promote and sustain this aspect of the communities’ cultural heritage. However, at national and international levels, in terms of recognition and awareness of the element, these practices remain at levels far below those to be desired.

In this context, inscription of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding will motivate the individuals, groups and communities that are working on its safeguarding and viability. It will also, in line with a specific plan, act as a means by which activities may be conducted that safeguard it more effectively.

Together with the initiation of the nomination process, which commenced in 2011 with the submission of the element to the Urgent List, and in addition to traditional methods, new safeguarding and transmission approaches on the whistled language were adopted, including formal and non-formal teaching methods. It has been observed that these new approaches to safeguarding the whistled language do not have any negative impact, on the contrary they in fact have a positive impact on its transmission through the use of traditional teaching methods.

Therefore, it is considered that inscription of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding will not have any negative impact on the traditional transmission methods of the whistled language.

The whistled language is an exceptional way for people to perceive their environment, comment on and transfer it, a noteworthy representation of a thought system and a complete reflection of a socio-cultural reality. Furthermore, in case of its disappearance, it will also mean that a distinctive thought system with all its related historical, cultural and traditional creativity will also disappear and be irrecoverably lost. That is why the element should be safeguarded urgently.

3. Safeguarding measures

For Criterion U.3, the States shall demonstrate that ‘safeguarding measures are elaborated that may enable the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned to continue the practice and transmission of the element’. The nomination should include sufficient information to permit the Evaluation Body and Committee to assess the ‘feasibility and sufficiency of the safeguarding plan’.

3.a. Past and current efforts to safeguard the element

The feasibility of safeguarding depends in large part on the aspirations and commitment of the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned. Describe past and current efforts of the concerned communities, groups or, if applicable, individuals to ensure the viability of the element.

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Describe also past and current efforts of the concerned State(s) Party(ies) to safeguard the element, taking note of external or internal constraints, such as limited resources.

Not fewer than 300 or more than 500 words

It has been observed that activities conducted by the relevant NGO’s, bearers, local administrations and public bodies, in order to safeguard, maintain and promote whistled language, have been gaining pace in recent years. All activities conducted by local administrations and public bodies have been organized with the support and active participation of the bearers of the element. However, since these activities are not a part of an integrated safeguarding action plan, it could be argued that they offer only short term solutions and what will happen in the medium to long term cannot be foreseen.

While taking the actions stated below to safeguard the whistled language, no internal nor external restrictions have been encountered. Some of these studies include:

- Field works about the whistled language spoken in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea Region has been carried out by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Directorate General of Research and Education. As a result of these studies, the areas where the whistled language has disappeared or is still in use, have been identified. Documents related to these studies have been opened to access for researchers at the Folk Culture Information and Documentation Center at the General Directorate of Research and Training under the auspices of Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

- In 2014, in order to support the nomination of whistled language to UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the Ministry of National Education, Directorate General of Lifelong Learning, organized a certification program with Çanakçı District Governorship at the Public Education Center. Since 2010, 96 trainees have attended these programs and received their certificates. In addition, 12 cultural bearers currently hold qualified instructor certificates.

- Following the submission of whistled language to the Urgent List, an analytical research publication, promoting the language, emphasizing its value as part of Turkey’s intangible cultural heritage and focusing on why it should be transmitted to future generations, was published in 2012 with support of Giresun Governorship.

- Analytical research studies about whistled language have been conducted by scientists and academicians, most of whom are linguists, for over 50 years and these scientific research studies are ongoing.

- Since 1997, annual Bird Language Festivals have been held by Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association and related public bodies and civil society organizations with attendees from both local and national level.

- Awareness raising activities, conducted by Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association at local and national level, are being financially supported by Giresun Governorship and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The total value of the financial support provided is $ 30,100 including the years 2007 ($3,900), 2 ($3,300), 2011 ($4,700), 2012 ($4,200), 2013 ($3,100), 2014 ($7,100) and 2015 ($3,800).

- Documentary films about whistled language have been produced by national TV channels with the initiative of the cultural bearers and documentaries produced by international media institutions have also been supported with participation and hosting by the element bearers.

3.b. Safeguarding plan proposed

This section should identify and describe a feasible and sufficient safeguarding plan that, within a time-frame of approximately four years, would respond to the need for urgent safeguarding and substantially enhance the viability of the element, if implemented. It is important that the safeguarding plan contain concrete measures and activities that adequately respond to the identified threats to the element. The safeguarding measures should be described in terms of concrete engagements of the States Parties and communities and not only in terms of possibilities and potentialities. States Parties are reminded to present safeguarding plans and budgets that are proportionate to the resources that can realistically be mobilized by the submitting State and that can feasibly be accomplished within the time period foreseen. Provide detailed information as follows:

a. What primary objective(s) will be addressed and what concrete results will be expected?

b. What are the key activities to be carried out in order to achieve these expected results? Describe the

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activities in detail and in their best sequence, addressing their feasibility.

c. Describe the mechanisms for the full participation of communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals in the proposed safeguarding measures. Provide as detailed as possible information about the communities, in particular, practitioners and their roles in implementing safeguarding measures. The description should cover not only the participation of the communities as beneficiaries of technical and financial support, but also their active participation in the planning and implementation of all of the activities, including the role of gender.

d. Describe the competent body with responsibility for the local management and safeguarding of the element, and its human resources available for implementing the safeguarding plan. (Contact information is to be provided in point 3.c below.)

e. Provide evidence that the State(s) Party(ies) concerned has the commitment to support the safeguarding plan by creating favourable conditions for its implementation.

f. Provide a timetable for the proposed activities and estimate the funds required for their implementation (if possible, in US dollars), identifying any available resources (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Not fewer than 1,000 or more than 2,000 words

The Action Plan for Safeguarding and Maintaining The Whistled Language, draft studies of which were initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Giresun Governorship, and Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association in 2015, was finalized in a workshop held as part of the file preparation studies, on February 22-24, 2016, together with the participation of bearers, local authorities, public bodies and academicians living in the region where whistled language is widely used. The Action Plan was accepted by all the participants for a period of four years.

While Giresun Governorship will be responsible for the local administration of the available human resources that will be used during the implementation of the Action Plan, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Research and Training will be responsible for coordination and monitoring. Both institutions are committed to providing the necessary conditions for the implementation of the safeguarding action plan on behalf of the Republic of Turkey.

The Action Plan for Safeguarding and Maintaining the Whistled Language established the strategic targets and strategic goals (expected results) are as follows:

STRATEGIC AIM-1: To Ensure That Whistled Language is Learned by the Young Generations and is Used in Daily Life

SA-1, Strategic Objective-1: To enable the transmission of whistled language to youngsters Action-1: With the pilot project that was launched in Kuşköy, Karabörk and Günyüzü villages, informal teaching activities will be conducted by qualified educators to teach the parents, who use whistled language, how to transmit this knowledge to the youngsters.

Duration: Two Year Pilot Study + Two Years of Extended Field Practice = Totalling four years Authorized Institutions: Mukhtars (village representatives) of Kuşköy, Karabörk and Günyüzü Villages, Çanakçı and Kürtün Municipalities

Definitions of Roles:

- Mukhtars: Identification of households participating in the training program.

- Municipalities: Identification of trainees and meeting the training expenses.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum = A Total of $ 4,000 Resource Fund: Municipalities (State Fund)

Action-2: Expanding the Whistled Language Certification Program conducted by the Ministry of National Education for children, and enhancing physical conditions.

Duration: Four years

Authorized Institutions: Ministry of National Education and Çanakçı District Governorship Definitions of Roles:

- Ministry of National Education: Improving the curriculum and providing tutors expert in whistled

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language.

- Çanakçı District Governorship: Providing program related physical conditions and equipment.

Resource: $ 2,500 per annum = A Total of $ 10,000

Resource Fund: Ministry of National Education and Çanakçı District Governorship (State Fund) Action-3: Forming a civil initiative committee aiming to establish support mechanisms to encourage young generations to speak whistled language.

Authorised Institutions: Giresun Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism; Çanakçı District Governorship; Çanakçı Municipality, Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association and Giresun University.

- Giresun Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism: Monitoring and assessment of the established committee.

- Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association: Identification of experts qualified in whistling language, ensuring that they carry out their work to a proficient level and making recommendations for activities that encourage and motivate.

- Çanakçı Municipality: Identification of individuals with established levels of competence and expertise in the whistled language to participate in the study.

- Mukhtars: Identification of individuals with established levels of competence and expertise in the whistled language to participate in the study.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum = A Total of $ 4,000 (State Fund)

SA-1, Strategic Objective-2: The detection and removal of threats to the whistled language in order to prevent its disappearance

Action-1: Providing and implementing socio-cultural responsibility projects in order to identify threats to the whistled language and to take preventive measures.

Duration: 2 years

Authorized Institutions: Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Research and Training, Çanakçı District Governorship; Çanakçı Municipality, Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association.

Definition of Roles:

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Research and Training: Promoting content, development and implementation of the project to the community through public announcements, publicity and promotional activities and project evaluation.

- Çanakçı District Governorship: Implementation of the accepted projects and monitoring the implementation of related activities and operations.

- Çanakçı Municipality: Providing financial support for the accepted projects.

- Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association: Participating in project implementation and conducting activities.

Resource: $ 5,000 per annum. Total: $ 10,000 (State Fund + Private Funds)

Action-2: Taking administrative measures at a regional level to ensure that the whistled language is maintained in its environment.

Authorized Institutions: Ministry of Culture and Tourism Giresun and Gümüşhane Provincial Directorates of Culture and Tourism; Çanakçı and Kürtün District Governorships; Çanakçı and Kürtün Municipalities.

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- Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Giresun and Gümüşhane Provincial Directorates of Culture and Tourism: As before, promoting and supporting festivals and other activities related to the whistled language.

- District Governorships: Providing promotional materials about the whistled language; carrying out improvements to festival site, signage and other environmental requirements.

- Municipalities: Providing promotional materials about the whistled language; carrying out improvements to festival site, signage and other environmental requirements.

Resource: $ 5,000 per annum Total: $ 20,000 (State Fund)

STRATEGIC AIM-2: Raising Public Awareness on Whistled Language

SA-2, Strategic Objective-1: Efficient use of mass media tools in order to increase public awareness

Action-1: Developing and disseminating printed and visual promotional materials and the support of such activities.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Giresun Governorship, Giresun Municipality, Giresun University.

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Supporting and promoting the publishing activities.

- Giresun Governorship, Giresun Municipality: Preparation of element related promotional printed and visual materials, such as books, brochures and CDs.

- Giresun University: Conducting field research in order to increase public awareness; publishing and disseminating academic papers, anthologies, recommendations and opinions, as a result of the research.

Resource: $ 5,000 per annum. A Total of $ 20,000 (State Fund + Private Funds)

Action-2: The production and broadcasting of a documentary film about whistled language with the coordination of central and local authorities and with the consents and active participation of civil society organizations in order to increase the visibility of the element.

Duration: 1 year

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Definition of Role: Undertaking work and procedures related to the production and broadcasting of a documentary film promoting the element in the areas where it is practiced.

Resource: $ 25,000 (State Fund)

SA-2, Strategic Objective-2: Carrying out activities to increase awareness and events related to the whistled language and promote

Action-1: Planning and implementation of regional informative meetings on the theme of whistled language.

Duration: Two Years for Regional Informative Meetings + two Years for National Informative Meetings = four Years

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Research and Training; Local ICH Boards in provinces.

Definition of Role: Organizing regional informative meetings through Local ICH Boards in provinces by ensuring active participation of the bearers.

Resource: $ 2,500 per annum. A Total of $ 10,000 (State Fund)

Action-2: Organizing project based competitions and activities related to the whistled language.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Research and

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Training

Definition of Role: Carrying out secretarial services for the project and related competitions and activities.

Resource: $ 2,500 per annum Total: $ 10,000

STRATEGIC AIM-3: Sustainable Safeguarding of Whistled Language

SA-3, Strategic Objective-1: Conducting capacity building activities related to the whistled language

Action-1: Encouraging civil society organizations and institutes to develop projects for the sustainable safeguarding of the whistled language.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Definition of Role: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will annually define a special theme together with the related stakeholders and bearers and will issue a request for projects on whistled language.

Resource: $ 10,000 per annum. Total: $ 40,000

Action-2: Supporting capacity building oriented civil organizations.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Governorships Definitions of Roles:

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Organizing in-service trainings about organizational behavior and governance. Contributing to the establishment, efficiency and performance of civil society organizations that will carry out activities to maintain the whistled language by acting together with the bearers and practitioners of the language.

- Governorships: Providing the venues and equipment for where the events will be held.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum. Total: $ 4,000 (State Fund)

Action-3: Facilitating the creation of a mentorship mechanism reinforcing communication between the bearers and practitioners of the element and contributing to the dissemination of the whistled language.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association.

- Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association: Identification of and coordination with the people who will establish the mentorship mechanism.

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Providing technical support to the mentor activities and undertaking monitoring and evaluation.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum. Total: $ 4,000 (State Fund)

SA-3, Strategic Objective-2: Sustainable and efficient safeguarding of the whistled language Action-1: Ensuring the inclusion the places where the whistled language is spoken by the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) program.

Duration: 2 years

Authorized Institutions: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Çanakçı Municipality, Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association

Definition of Role:

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- Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association

- Çanakçı Municipality: Developing projects in the context of European Destinations of Excellence program and taking it to the completion.

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Monitoring and reporting on the project’s progress.

Resource: $ 5,000 (State Fund)

Action-2: Carrying out sustainable safeguarding activities related to the bearers of whistled language.

Authorized Institution: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Research and Training

Definition of Role: Identification of qualified element bearers of the whistled language and the announcement of their names in the context of the Living Human Treasure Program conducted by the aforementioned Directorate General.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum = A Total of $ 4,000

Action-3: Adding informative and promotional courses about whistled language to the training and seminar programs of the tourist guides working in the region; making related amendments and arrangements to their curriculums to cover intangible cultural heritage.

Authorized Institutions: Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Research and Training, The Tourist Guides Association

- Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Research and Training: Provision of materials with regard to the whistled language to be included in the training and seminar programs of tourist guides and following up with the amendments and arrangements of the program.

-Tourist Guides Association: Making amendments and arrangements for the training and seminar programs of the regional tour guides working in the regions where whistled language is commonly used.

Resource: $ 1,000 per annum = A Total of $ 4,000 (State Fund)Over the four year period

The total funds for The Action Plan for Safeguarding and Maintaining The Whistled Language are estimated to be $ 182,000.

3.c. Competent body(ies) involved in safeguarding

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the competent body(ies), and if applicable, the name and title of the contact person(s), with responsibility for the local management and safeguarding of the element.

Name of the body: Ministry of Culture and Tourism/ General Directorate of Research and Training

Name and title of the

contact person: Okan İBİŞ Director General

Address: Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Araştırma ve Eğitim Genel Müdürlüğü İsmet İnönü Bulvarı No: 32 Emek/ Ankara Türkiye

Telephone number: +90 312 215 48 45

E-mail address: okan.ibis@kulturturizm.gov.tr

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Other relevant information:

gultekin.dundar@kulturturizm.gov.tr, serkanemirerkmen@hotmail.com OTHER COMPETENT BODY:

Name of the body: Giresun Governership

Name and title of the contact person: Hasan KARAHAN Governor of Giresun Giresun /Türkiye

Telephone number: (+90 454) 282 0 282 E-mail address: giresun@giresun.gov.tr

Other relevant information: http://www.giresun.gov.tr

4. Community participation and consent in the nomination process

For Criterion U.4, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element has been nominated following the widest possible participation of the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent’.

4.a. Participation of communities, groups and individuals concerned in the nomination process

Describe how the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned have participated actively in preparing and elaborating the nomination at all stages, including the role of gender.

States Parties are encouraged to prepare nominations with the participation of a wide variety of all concerned parties, including where appropriate local and regional governments, communities, NGOs, research institutes, centres of expertise and others. States Parties are reminded that the communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals whose intangible cultural heritage is concerned are essential participants throughout the conception and elaboration of nominations, proposals and requests, as well as the planning and implementation of safeguarding measures, and are invited to devise creative measures to ensure that their widest possible participation is built in at every stage, as required by Article 15 of the Convention.

The frame of reference for this preparatory work included researches to identify the bearers of the whistled language as well as areas where it is spoken. Accordingly, subject-related academic researches, and papers and publications currently registered to ICH National Inventory of Turkey, were examined.

The draft studies for the identification, evaluation and safeguarding of the whistled language were jointly initiated in 2015 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Giresun Governorship, and Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association. A File Preparation and Safeguarding Action Plan Meeting was scheduled with the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate of Research and Training and Giresun Governorship in order to share the results of the studies, to provide information about the whistled language and to ensure the active participation of the relevant communities, groups and individuals. In this direction, bearers and practitioners from Giresun, Trabzon, Artvin, Gümüşhane, Ordu, Rize and Bayburt; representatives from NGO’s and local administrations, as well as experts and academicians came together in Giresun between February 22-24, 2016.

At the meeting, the socio-cultural meaning of the whistled language for the communities, groups and individuals was discussed and the problems identified, in terms of the shrinking of the area in which the language is spoken and the decrease in the population practicing it. Subsequently, solutions for the problems identified were evaluated. Safeguarding activities and measures to maintain the whistled language and transmit it to future generations were also discussed, as were tasks regarding the implementation of the safeguarding activities. Following these, the scope of the work to be undertaken was finalized and The Action Plan for Safeguarding and Maintaining The Whistled Language was accepted by all present. At the meeting, which was held with the broad participation of the relevant parties, the nomination to submit the whistled language for inclusion in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, together with the points which would be mentioned in the related file were agreed, and the consent declarations of the related communities, groups and individuals were also taken.

During the preparation of the file, field works related to the element were also undertaken, and relevant materials, including documents, photos and videos were provided in cooperation with

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NGOs, academicians and folklore researchers and with voluntary contributions from the bearers.

4.b. Free, prior and informed consent to the nomination

The free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of the element from the community, group or, if applicable, individuals concerned may be demonstrated through written or recorded concurrence, or through other means, according to the legal regimen of the State Party and the infinite variety of communities and groups concerned. The Committee will welcome a broad range of demonstrations or attestations of community consent in preference to standard or uniform declarations. Evidence of free, prior and informed consent shall be provided in one of the working languages of the Committee (English or French), as well as the language of the community concerned if its members use languages other than English or French.

Attach to the nomination form information showing such consent and indicate below what documents you are providing, how they were obtained, and what form they take. Indicate also the gender of the people providing their consent.

In the workshop, which was held between February 22-24, 2016 experts from the General Directorate of Research and Training and academicians visited the villages where the whistled language is widely used, to inform them about the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The letters which include consent of the bearers and NGO were given voluntarily and it was observed that they strongly supported for the submission of the element.

The individuals and institutions that signed letters of consent is listed below:

- Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association - Local ICH Board of Giresun

- Avni KÖÇEK (Mukhtar of Kuşköy Village) - Mustafa TEMEL (Mukhtar of Günyüzü Village)

- İrfan KIDIK (Director of Çanakçı Public Education Center) - Emine CİVELEK (Bearer)

- Erol CİVELEK (Trainer of whistled language) - Yılmaz CİVELEK (Bearer)

- Ayşenur KODALAK (Bearer) - Muazzez KÖÇEK (Bearer) - Gökhan KÖÇEK (Bearer) - Ali Osman KAPLAN (Bearer) - Recep CİVELEK (Bearer) - Nurman KODALAK (Bearer) - Halil KOZLU (Bearer) - Hatice Tuncer (Bearer)

4.c. Respect for customary practices governing access to the element

Access to certain specific aspects of intangible cultural heritage or to information about it is sometimes restricted by customary practices enacted and conducted by the communities in order, for example, to maintain the secrecy of certain knowledge. If such practices exist, demonstrate that inscription of the element and implementation of the safeguarding measures would fully respect such customary practices governing access to specific aspects of such heritage (cf. Article 13 of the Convention). Describe any specific measures that might need to be taken to ensure such respect.

If no such practices exist, please provide a clear statement that there are no customary practices governing access to the element in at least 50 words.

Considering the fact that the whistled language, as an element of intangible cultural heritage, cannot survive unless it is safeguarded immediately, the bodies that are authorized at regional/local or national level have taken measures in compliance with the Convention for the

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Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and carried out the safeguarding measures and actions, as defined within the scope of the Action Plan. All operations and procedures have been carried out with the knowledge and consent of the relevant communities, groups and individuals by ensuring the broad participation of all the relevant parties.

There are no traditional applications that limit, restrict or prevent access to the element of the whistled language.

4.d. Concerned community organization(s) or representative(s)

Provide detailed contact information for each community organization or representative, or other non-governmental organization, that is concerned with the element such as associations, organizations, clubs, guilds, steering committees, etc.:

a. Name of the entity

b. Name and title of the contact person c. Address

d. Telephone number e. E-mail

f. Other relevant information

a. Name of the entity: Bird Language Sustenance Culture and Tourism Association b. Name and title of the contact person :Şeref Köçek – President of Association c. Address: Kuşköy Village, Çanakçı/GİRESUN

d. Telephone number : +90 544 5294233 e. E-mail : kusdili_net@hotmail.com

5. Inclusion of the element in an inventory

For Criterion U.5, the States shall demonstrate that ‘the element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies) as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention’.

a.Indicate below:

 when the element has been included in the inventory, which should be prior to the submission of the nomination to the Secretariat (31 March),

 its reference,

 the inventory in which the element has been included,

 the office, agency, organization or body responsible for maintaining that inventory,

 how the inventory has been drawn up ‘with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non- governmental organizations’ (Article 11(b) of the Convention), and including in terms of the role of gender,

 how the inventory is regularly updated (Article 12 of the Convention).

b.Documentary evidence shall also be provided in an annex demonstrating that the nominated element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention; such evidence shall include a relevant extract of the inventory(ies) in English or in French, as well as in the original language if different. The extract should be, for example, the inventory record or file for the nominated element, including its description, location, community(ies), viability, and so on. It may be complemented by a reference below to a functioning hyperlink through which such an inventory may be accessed, but the hyperlink alone is not sufficient.

The nominated element’s inclusion in an inventory should not in any way imply or require that the inventory(ies) should have been completed prior to nomination. Rather, a submitting State Party may be in the process of completing or updating one or more inventories, but has already duly included the nominated element on an inventory-in-progress.

Turkey has two national inventories concerning the safeguarding of ICH: ICH National Inventory

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of Turkey and Living Human Treasures National Inventory of Turkey.

ICH National Inventory based on territorial principles, covering all geographical parts of the country. All listed elements are sorted in accordance with the administrative division through Local ICH Boards which exist in all the provinces. The Boards meet twice a year to update ICH studies, safeguarding measures and suggestions for inventories and elements. Decisions of the meetings are sent to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MoCT)/General Directorate of Research and Training to be evaluated by the ICH Commission of Experts.

For the inclusion of “Whistled Language”, Giresun ICH Board which consists of bearers of the element, representative of NGOs, academicians, and relevant local authorities for administrating of cultural heritage, prepared the required form and sent it to MoCT in 2010. Then, the Commission of Experts evaluated the nomination proposal for the element and advised to MoCT for inscription on the ICH National Inventory of Turkey the element was included in the inventory system (inventory number 01.0018.) in 2010 and updated in 2013.

Updating of the inventories is carried out by MoCT General Directorate of Research and Training which is responsible for inventory system, in accordance with the periodic proposals of the Local ICH Boards.

ICH National Inventory number: 01.0018; the website link:

http://aregem.kulturturizm.gov.tr/TR,51104/islik-dili.html (Turkish)

http://aregem.kulturturizm.gov.tr/TR,157839/whistled-language.html (English) The inventory forms and translations of them are attached.

6. Documentation

6.a. Appended documentation (mandatory)

The documentation listed below is mandatory and will be used in the process of evaluating and examining the nomination. The photographs and the video will also be helpful for visibility activities if the element is inscribed. Tick the following boxes to confirm that related items are included with the nomination and that they follow the instructions.

Additional materials other than those specified below cannot be accepted and will not be returned.

documentary evidence of the consent of communities, along with a translation into English or French if the language of concerned community is other than English or French

documentary evidence demonstrating that the nominated element is included in an inventory of the intangible cultural heritage present in the territory(ies) of the submitting State(s) Party(ies), as defined in Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention; such evidence shall include a relevant extract of the inventory(ies) in English or in French, as well as in the original language if different

10 recent photographs in high definition

cession(s) of rights corresponding to the photos (Form ICH-07-photo)

edited video (from 5 to 10 minutes), subtitled in one of the languages of the Committee (English or French) if the language utilized is other than English or French

cession(s) of rights corresponding to the video recording (Form ICH-07-video)

6.b. Principal published references (optional)

Submitting States may wish to list, using a standard bibliographic format, principal published references providing supplementary information on the element, such as books, articles, audio-visual materials or websites. Such published works should not be sent along with the nomination.

Not to exceed one standard page.

• Whistled Turkish: Statistic Analysis Of Vowel Distribution And Consonant Modulation, 2005, Julien Meyer

• ‘’Anadolu’da Islık Dili Araştırması Ön Raporu, 1966, Prof.Dr.Doğan AKSAN

• ‘’Islık Dili’’, 1966, Prof.Dr.Doğan AKSAN

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• ‘’Islık Dili ve Karadeniz Bölgesi’nde Kullanışı’’ Prof.Dr. Necati DEMİR

• Historical briefing of the whistling language of Kuşköy, 1970, R.G.Busnel

• An acoustic analysis of the Turkish whistling language of Kuşköy, 1970, E.H. Lennesberg

• Oğuzeli’nde Islık Dili, Sinan KILIÇ

• Islık Dili (Kuş Dili), Whistles Language (Bird Language), Giresun 2012, Şaban KUTLU, Giresun Valiliği Kültür Yayınları

• Giresun Kuşdili Festivali, Kuşköy Kuşdili Festivali’nin Doğuşu, 9 Mart 2012, İrtibat: Kuşköy Kuşdilini Tanıtma Kültür ve Turizm Derneği, Bilsen GÜRER

• Türkçe Islık Dilinde Ezgi Görünümleri (Sunum), Fatma Çelik, İpek Pınar Bekâr, İclâl Ergenç, Ankara Üniversitesi Dilbilim Bölümü, 25. Ulusal Dilbilim Kurultayı

7. Signature(s) on behalf of the State(s) Party(ies)

The nomination should conclude with the signature of the official empowered to sign it on behalf of the State Party, together with his or her name, title and the date of submission.

In the case of multi-national nominations, the document should contain the name, title and signature of an official of each State Party submitting the nomination.

Name: Okan İBİŞ

Title: Director General of Research and Training of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey

Date: 24 March 2016 Signature: <signed>

Name(s), title(s) and signature(s) of other official(s) (For multi-national nominations only)

For multi-national nominations, States Parties should be listed in the order on which they have mutually agreed.