Uzbekistan: Festival of True Friendship

Kokand hosted the First International Handicrafters Festival, which was attended by representatives of more than 100 countries.

Magnificent products created by foreign and local craftsmen were presented. The scientific and practical conference devoted to prospects of handicraft and applied art was attended by 36 scientists and researchers from 26 countries. Following the conference, Kokand resolution on development of applied art and handicraft was signed.

Each creative work has been evaluated in accordance with the Regulation on the competition. The jury, which included five foreign and two local masters, determined the winners in eight categories. Muhammadali Yunusov from Uzbekistan became “The Best Craftsman” and got 7,000 USD, the second place in this category and 5,000 USD went to Sufian Khatri from India, and Alisher Narzullayev from Uzbekistan won the third place and 3,000 USD. Winners in the nominations “The youngest artisan”, “Master of the best school of handicraft”, “The successor of the ancient dynasty”, “Craftsman who restored the ancient form of handicraft”, “The most active artisan” were also identified.

The organizers of the festival announced the holding of the Second International Handicrafters Festival in 2021 and expressed gratitude to representatives of UNESCO, the World Crafts Council for the Asia-Pacific, American and African regions, foreign and local artisans, as well as all creative groups for their assistance in organizing and conducting the festival at a high level.

UzA