International “Atlas Bayrami” Traditional Textile Festival

Duration: 2015 – on-going, held every two years

Uzbekistan is renowned for its rich and ancient traditions of craftsmanship, many of which are at risk of being endangered due to globalization and modernization. In response, the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan has undertaken several initiatives to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage, promote the development of traditional crafts, and enhance their quality and design.

One notable initiative is the Festival of Traditional Textile, known as "Atlas Bayrami" (Celebrating Atlas), which was first held in 2015 in Margilan, an ancient center of silk weaving along the Great Silk Road. This festival aims to nurture creativity, safeguard and promote the intangible cultural heritage, particularly traditional Uzbek textiles, by sharing the knowledge and techniques of producing these textiles with future generations. It also seeks to improve the quality and design of traditional crafts across various areas of Uzbek textiles, including cotton and silk cloth production, carpets, embroidery, and fashion design. By bringing together national and international craftspeople, textile experts, designers, manufacturers, and fashion specialists, the festival fosters creativity and supports the growth of the creative economy.

The festival follows a series of pre-festival activities that include training sessions and culminates in the official opening, accompanied by significant events such as an international conference, roundtable discussions, fashion shows, and exhibitions. In the city park, local communities, visitors, and guests can partake in a wide array of public activities and performances.

Through these diverse events, the festival serves as a platform for exchange, learning, and cultural appreciation, raising both local and international awareness about Uzbekistan's rich and ancient craftsmanship traditions. Additionally, by organizing an international festival in Margilan, the festival contributes to the government's regional economic development strategy.

The Festival of Traditional Textile welcomes guests from various corners of the world. Since 2015, participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Malaysia, India, Turkey, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, USA, Latvia, Germany, Mongolia, Italy, Spain, China, France, and many other countries adds a global perspective and further enriches the cultural exchange that takes place during the festival.