The Cultural Research Foundation (KAV) was established in 2002. The Foundation carries out its activities under four main research programs: “Culinary Culture,” “Toy Culture,” “Handicrafts,” and “Rituals,” all grounded in the protection of cultural rights. KAV conducts studies particularly aimed at fostering awareness of cultural heritage among children and young people.

In line with these efforts, KAV was accredited in 2012 with consultative status to the Intergovernmental Committee of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Furthermore, in 2025, it was granted observer status by the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As of April 2026, it has joined the FAO-based Mountain Partnership as an accredited member within the “European Major Groups” constituency. KAV is also a permanent member of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (Izmir) Provincial Identification Commission.