UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

10/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/12/2024 05:44

VI International Traditional Festival 'Atlas Bayrami' celebrated Cultural Heritage and Sustainability in Margilan

Organized by the Fergana Region's Governor's Office, the Municipality of Margilan, UNESCO's Office in Uzbekistan, the "Hunarmand" Crafts Association, the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, and the World Crafts Council, with support from the European Union, this year's edition showcased an extraordinary blend of traditional textiles and cultural exchange.

The Festival brought together participants from across the globe, highlighting the essential link between cultural heritage and sustainable development. Textile artists, designers, and craftspeople from over 15 countries, including Australia, India, Bulgaria, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Spain, and the United Kingdom, gathered to share their knowledge and expertise, fostering international collaboration and the promotion of traditional crafts.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

The Atlas Bayrami Festival focused on safeguarding and promoting traditional textile-making techniques, which are critical to preserving intangible cultural heritage. This year's event also contributed to sustainable economic growth by providing artisans, designers, and fashion specialists with a platform to exchange ideas, allowing ancient traditions to evolve and thrive within the modern creative economy.

Key Highlights of Atlas Bayrami 2024

Pre-festival Trainings (September 12-18, 2024)
Leading up to the festival, intensive regional and national trainings were held for young craftspeople and designers from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These UNESCO-organized trainings, supported by the European Union's "Silk Roads Heritage Corridors" project, focused on craftsmanship, ethno-design, business development, and market access. Aimed at empowering participants, particularly women and youth, these sessions helped enhance skills and encouraged creativity, offering tools to build sustainable businesses in the cultural sector.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

Official Opening Ceremony (September 19, 2024)
The Festival kicked off at the Margilan Crafts Development Centre with an official opening ceremony attended by government officials and representatives from UNESCO. The highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates to participants who completed the pre-festival trainings, recognizing their commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

International Conference on Environmental Sustainability in Textiles (September 20, 2024)
A major highlight of the festival was the international conference on sustainable textile practices. National and international experts discussed eco-friendly production methods, natural dyes, and resource-efficient techniques, emphasizing how traditional textile craftsmanship can inform modern sustainability efforts in the fashion industry.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

Opening of the Educational Centre for Crafts Business and Entrepreneurship Development (September 20, 2024)
The inauguration of the newly restored 19th-century Madrassa "Said Akhmad Khoja" was a key event of the festival. The madrassa, transformed into a hub for business development and entrepreneurship, is now equipped to offer training in craft production, business management, and e-commerce. This new center will play a vital role in empowering artisans to develop sustainable businesses and contribute to the creative economy.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

Fashion Shows (September 19 and 20, 2024)
Two fashion shows took center stage, showcasing the work of young and professional designers who drew inspiration from traditional textiles. The shows celebrated the fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary fashion, presenting innovative creations that highlighted the versatility and timeless beauty of traditional fabrics. A special fashion show marked the conclusion of the ethno-design mentorship program organized within the UNESCO/EU project.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

Gala Concert (September 21, 2024)
The festival concluded with a lively gala concert, featuring traditional Uzbek performers who entertained attendees with music and dance. The event provided a vibrant and fitting finale to the festival, celebrating Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and the success of the Atlas Bayrami.

UNESCO Uzbekistan

Empowering the Future Through Cultural Heritage

The 2024 Atlas Bayrami Festival not only celebrated Uzbekistan's rich textile heritage but also demonstrated how cultural traditions can drive sustainable development. With its focus on capacity-building, innovation, and international collaboration, the festival provided a platform for artisans to connect with global markets while ensuring that traditional crafts continue to thrive in the modern world. Through this event, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while promoting a sustainable and inclusive creative economy.