Three types of tolma — made with fish, hemp additives, and sour cabbage with millet — have been included in Armenia’s intangible cultural heritage list. The decision was adopted by government decree on May 27.
The listed tolma varieties were traditionally widespread in Gegharkunik Province around Lake Sevan. Fish tolma, in particular, became more common after the collapse of the Soviet Union due to economic hardship and shortages of meat products, Sputnik Armenia reported.
“Hemp tolma” is one of the ancient dishes of Armenian cuisine, with roots believed to go back to periods when hemp was widely used as a nutritious plant rich in vegetable fats.
In particular, during long fasting periods when the consumption of animal fat was prohibited, hemp seeds, along with flax and sesame seeds, were used as a substitute source of oil and nutrition, as described in the annex of the decision.
Under the same decision, lullabies from the Shirak Province were also added to the list, along with the tradition of drum-making, including the Armenian traditional dhol.
The registry was further expanded to include traditional clay and wooden stamps used for decorating gata pastries, as well as the children’s game “Hunters and Ducks.” The song “Taq Tsaghketsav,” widespread in the community of Tsovagyugh in Gegharkunik Province, was also added to the list.
