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

As Speaker Papuashvili highlighted, scientific research confirms—and UNESCO has now officially recognized—that one of the world’s oldest centers of domestication of wild wheat is located in Georgia.

“Certain varieties of wheat that are evolutionarily close to wild species have been preserved only in Georgia, such as Zanduri, Kolkuri Asli, and Makha. Fourteen natural species of wheat have been discovered and documented on the territory of Georgia, representing 70% of all known cultivated wheat species, including five endemic species. In addition, more than 154 varieties of wheat have been identified in Georgia. Archaeological studies conducted on Georgian sites have uncovered wheat remains dating back to the 6th millennium BC, confirming that for 8,000 years—parallel to the ancient tradition of winemaking—the cultivation and sowing of Georgian wheat has continued uninterrupted. This positions our country as one of the ancient cradles of both bread and wine”, - Papuashvili said.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to all individuals who contributed to achieving this significant result.

“I would like to thank the Agriculture Committee, the Culture Ministry, the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, scholars, organizations, and everyone involved in the research and discovery process. Numerous studies were carried out not only on wheat itself but also on the traditions surrounding it, including the tradition of bread baking. Ultimately, this has culminated in yet another achievement for our country—an achievement that is, of course, a source of pride for the preservation and promotion of our historical heritage”, - stated Shalva Papuashvili.