The Cultural Heritage Act adopts a broad definition of intangible cultural heritage, identifying it as a set of immaterial cultural values, practices, representations, knowledge, and skills, including tools, objects, and cultural spaces associated with them.52 These elements are understood to be created, maintained, and transmitted by communities, groups, and individuals across generations, shaped by environmental, historical, and cultural contexts. Such definition underlines the function of ICH as both a marker of identity and a bearer of biocultural continuity.53 The legal recognition of intangible heritage is operationalised through the concept of “prime value,” a legal designation that refers to expressions or practices that, due to their specific national or broader significance, warrant protection under state authority.54 The Cultural Heritage Act further institutionalises this status by establishing two main mechanisms for listing: the “National List of Prime Values of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” and the “List of Prime Values of Intangible Heritage at Risk,” the latter focusing on expressions requiring urgent safeguarding due to the threat of disappearance.55 Crucially, the Albanian legal framework ensures that these listings are not merely symbolic. Article 5 (51) of the Cultural Heritage Act provides for the establishment of a National Register of Cultural Heritage, conceived as a unified and authoritative record of all tangible and intangible heritage components within Albanian territory. This register, which exists in both paper and digital form, ensures the legal visibility of cultural heritage elements and imposes an obligation on the responsible institutions to ensure their systematic documentation and regular updating.56 The process of registration is coordinated by the National Institute for Cultural Heritage Registration, which is charged with verifying, recording, and maintaining heritage data in accordance with legal criteria.57 Within the framework of this register, culinary heritage has received specific attention. To date, ten traditional Albanian dishes have been formally inscribed on the national list of intangible cultural heritage.58 Their inclusion in the register 52 Art 5 (41) of Law no. 27/2018 OG 86/2018. 53 Ibid. 54 Art 5 (21) of Law no 27/2018 OG 86/2018. 55 Art 5 (29) (30) of Law no 27/2018 OG 86/2018. 56 Art 5 (51) of Law no 27/2018 OG 86/2018. 57 Art 32 of Law no 27/2018 OG 86/2018. 58 ‘Regjistri Kombëtar i Trashëgimisë Kulturore Jomateriale’ (Trashegimia Kulturore Jomateriale) <https:// regjistritkj.al/tag/gatime-tradicionale/> accessed 25 August 2025. The following traditional dishes are inscribed: Almond Llokum Preparation, Artisanal Preparation of Trahana, Chickpea Bread, Fli-ja, Kaçupi’s Brine, Koran Fish Casserole, Preparation of “Osas”, Revania, Rooster Pie with Chicken, Shkodra’s Carp Casserole. 480 NADA DOLLANI
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