These days, Kokand has become a center of attraction for artisans from around the world. The 3rd International Festival of Handicrafts and the International Pottery Forum, held in this ancient city, bring together 278 foreign masters from 70 countries, as well as nearly one thousand artisans from various regions of Uzbekistan.

Among the participants are also international experts, scholars, designers, and specialists in their respective fields. More than 50 journalists and bloggers are covering the event.

With a welcoming speech before thousands of artisans at Urda Square, the Hokim of Fergana region, Khayrullo Bozorov, addressed the participants.

The President of the World Crafts Council, Saad Al-Qaddumi, expressed gratitude to the people and the President of Uzbekistan for creating conditions that made it possible, for the third time, to gather masters from around the world in Kokand, exchange experiences, and showcase their achievements.

The opening ceremony of the “Khukandi Latif” arch and the trade and exhibition pavilions, built at the entrance to the International Crafts Exhibition area, then took place. The first visitors to the exposition were festival participants and residents of Kokand. Here, works created by artisans from 70 countries, as well as by Uzbekistan artisans, are on display.

A historic event marked the first day of the festival: The Museum of Great Thinkers in the center of Kokand was officially granted the status of an International Museum of Crafts. It was named after the prominent figure, researcher, and educator Ghada Hijjawi Qaddumi, who made a significant contribution to the development of folk and applied arts worldwide.

The museum has been granted the status of a permanent institution. Festival participants donated more than 600 of their works to form the collection.

On the same day, the presentation of the photo album book “Folk Applied Art of Uzbekistan” took place. The book provides a detailed account of craft schools, the traditions of the “master-apprentice” system, artistic styles of different regions, and contemporary trends.

Speaking at the presentation, Khayrullo Bozorov, Hokim of Fergana region, noted that such publications immortalize the centuries-old experience and craftsmanship of the people. Saad Al-Qaddumi added that the book will be translated into other languages and will benefit artisans worldwide.

Afterward, a film about the art of woodcarving, produced by Pakistani filmmakers, was screened.

One of the significant events of the festival was the international scientific and practical conference on “Prospects for the Development of Handicrafts and Folk Applied Art”, held at the Kokand State Musical Drama Theater. It brought together 38 specialists from France, Austria, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The conference addresses issues related to preserving endangered traditional crafts, adapting them to modern conditions, preserving museum exhibits, and developing tourism potential.

[gallery-25371]

Muhammadjon Obidov, UzA