Named ‘Atlas Bayramy’

The following article was contributed by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul for publication by The Korea Post media, publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean-language news publications since 1985.—Ed.

 

On October 20-22, 2022, the V International Festival of Traditional Textiles "Atlas Bayramy" will be held in the city of Margilan. The festival is aimed at supporting creativity, preserving and popularizing traditional Uzbek textiles.
As highlighted by Sara Noshadi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan, “The festival contributes to the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage by promoting the know-how of producing traditional Uzbek textiles. It also contributes to the improvement of the quality and design of traditional crafts in all types of Uzbek textiles, from cotton production to silk fabrics, carpets and embroidery or clothing design. In addition, the festival supports creativity and the creative economy by bringing together national and international craftsmen, manufacturers, traditional textile experts, designers and fashion professionals.”

The Margilan City of Uzbekistan hosts the 5th International Festival of Traditional Textiles Atlas Bayramy.
The Margilan City of Uzbekistan hosts the 5th International Festival of Traditional Textiles Atlas Bayramy.

The festival begins with a series of trainings as pre-festival events from October 16 to 19 and will continue on October 20 with the official opening, followed by other major events such as an international conference, round table, fashion shows and an exhibition. Local communities, visitors and guests of the Festival will have the opportunity to take part in numerous public events and performances of the Festival in the city park.
Together, these events create a platform for exchange and learning, and help raise local and international awareness of the rich and ancient handicraft traditions in Uzbekistan. By organizing an international festival in Margilan, the Festival contributes to the state strategy of regional economic development.
As in previous years, guests from various countries will take part in the Festival - these are representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Malaysia, India, Turkey, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the USA, Latvia, Mongolia, Italy and other countries.

An Uzbek lady displays Margilan atlases
An Uzbek lady displays Margilan atlases

The participation of artisans, cultural figures, designers and professionals from these countries provides an opportunity to exchange ideas about styles, patterns, traditions and techniques in the field of traditional textiles. Their participation will be an important source of inspiration for local and young artisans. Renowned artists such as the Tourism Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan and renowned fashion designer Ms. Ritu Beri will grace the festival with their presence.
The festival is organized by the Khokimiyat of the Fergana region, the Khokimiyat of the city of Margilan, the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Hunarmand Association of Craftsmen of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, the Margilan Center for the Development of Crafts and the UNFPA Office in Uzbekistan.

Program of the 5th Festival "Atlas Bayrami":
Pre-festival events: Four-day trainings on traditional crafts, ethnic design and entrepreneurship, dedicated to various types of traditional textiles, will be held from October 16 to 19 for artisans and designers from all over Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The official opening ceremony of the Festival will take place on October 20, including the presentation of certificates to participants in pre-festival trainings. As part of the opening ceremony, the city of Margilan is expected to be awarded the status of the "World City of Silk and Ikat Craftsmen", thus Margilan will be included in the World Crafts Council network of World Crafts Cities. The title will further enhance the important role of Margilan in the preservation of traditional Uzbek crafts. The International Council for World Crafts is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1964 to promote fellowship and promote economic development through income-generating craft-related activities.
On October 21, the official opening ceremony of the international conference "The Role of Traditional Textiles in the Modern World" will be held, which will be attended by international experts, artisans, designers and manufacturers from Asia, Europe and America.
On October 22, the official opening ceremony of the international exhibition of traditional textiles "Heirs of the Great Silk Road" will be held, which will present a variety of textile crafts with the participation of representatives from different countries.
Workshops on making traditional fabrics and carpets.
Folk festivals for the general public will be held from October 20 to 22, including outdoor recreation for children and families, theatrical and musical performances, and a crafts fair.
Fashion shows by designers from the Central Asian, Asia-Pacific regions and Europe on October 20 and 21.
A gala concert on October 22 with the participation of traditional Uzbek performers will be the final event of the Festival.

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