Uzbekistan and Malaysia: Artisan Bonds Through The Ages

Applied arts are an integral component of universal culture, and hold a cherished place in every nation’s life, shaping lifestyles and values over centuries. 

This rare form of art serves as a vivid reflection of people’s intelligence, representing unique talent and deeply rooted traditions.

Uzbekistan, a key hub of cultural exchange along the Silk Road connecting East and West, boasts diverse schools of craftsmanship. 

These traditions, such as woodcarving, ganch carving, pottery, textile weaving, gold embroidery, music instrument making, metal chasing, and jewelry, have been handed down through generations. Each craft holds history, distinct creative techniques, and renowned masters.

These crafts have a significant place in global art history with many masterpieces held in prestigious museums worldwide.

The legacy of this art is continued by skilled artisans who are honored with titles like "Master" reflecting their societal respect and exceptional talent.

In Uzbekistan, significant efforts are being made to preserve and develop the nation's rich cultural heritage. Recognizing the work of skilled artisans who carry forward historical traditions, relevant decrees, and resolutions have been adopted to honor and support their contributions. These measures include granting new opportunities and privileges to artisans, and ensuring their rights and interests are safeguarded. At the forefront of this support is the “Hunarmand” Association, which unites thousands of craftsmen and women. 

The organization plays a vital role in promoting their craft, protecting their rights, and fostering a collaborative environment for the continued growth and preservation of Uzbekistan’s artisanal traditions.

Over the past five years, the number of artisans has grown sevenfold, while apprenticeships have increased ninefold, with over 230,000 individuals now active in the craft sector. Many descendants of renowned lineages skillfully merge ancient traditions with modern styles, driving innovation in their respective fields.

Reviving traditional crafts has been a key focus, expanding the recognized types of crafts from 25 to 43 over the years. Incentives and benefits have enabled 83,400 artisans to join the “Hunarmand” Association, with 47 members receiving national awards for their contributions.

Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions have also played a vital role, facilitating $40 million worth of craft exports—spanning pottery, embroidery, wood carving, carpet weaving, and handwoven textiles—to CIS countries, Europe, and the United States.

The National Catalog of Applied Arts includes 261 artisans who have excelled in prestigious exhibitions and competitions. Over 2,600 artisans are registered within the tourism sector, enhancing the country's cultural offerings and contributing to its development.

Uzbekistan has hosted a series of prestigious events to showcase its craftsmanship on a global stage. The country has organized 15 international and 1,993 local events, including the International Festival of Gold Embroidery and Jewelry Festival in Bukhara (2022), which hosted 211 participants from 58 countries and 700 local artisans. the Second International Festival of Handicrafts (2023) attracted 260 artisans from 70 countries and 950 locals. Events such as the International Pottery Forum which hosted 80 participants from 30 countries and 140 local handicraftsmen.

In addition, over the past three years, 37 festivals, exhibitions, and fairs have been organized in 21 foreign countries, with the participation of 541 artisans. It should be noted that hosting International Handicraft Festivals in the country plays a significant role in promoting handicrafts, preserving and reviving traditional craftsmanship and schools, conducting collaborative scientific research and studies in the field, fostering the exchange of experiences, and encouraging talented artisans. These festivals serve these noble purposes and hold great importance. Moreover, the festival is not only a celebration for the diverse people of Uzbekistan but also a global festivity for artisans around the world.

In 2019, The World Crafts Council designated Kokand as a “Craft City” for its woodcarving tradition, with Bukhara and Margilan receiving similar honors in subsequent years. Additionally, Uzbekistan assumed the office of the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region for 2021–2024, enhancing the country’s prominence in the global crafts arena.

The First International Handicraft Festival welcomed a host of distinguished guests, including Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey; Atageldi Ashirovich Shamyradov, Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan; Askhat Razdykovich Oralov, Minister of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan; Altunbek Askarovich Maksutov, Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan; Maryam Jalali, the deputy minister of handicrafts at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran; and Wee Hong Seng, The Council of the City of Kuching South, Malaysia. 

Additionally, the festival was attended by Suzanne Sagg, Executive Director of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market from the USA; Philippe Boursault, President of France’s “A.S.I.E.” Society; Ms Ritu Beri, Culture and Tourism brand Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India; senior UNESCO representatives; and leaders of the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. Over 260 master artisans, prominent cultural figures, art historians, and media representatives from 70 countries joined the event, marking it as an exceptional celebration.

Malaysia, a rapidly advancing country not only in Southeast Asia but globally, shares long-standing ties with Uzbekistan based on common religious, cultural, and traditional values. Today, Uzbekistan-Malaysia relations are strengthening, with multifaceted cooperation gaining new practical dimensions.

At the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim paid an official visit to Uzbekistan from May 17–19, 2024. During his trip, he explored the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of Samarkand and Bukhara.

In Bukhara, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the Bukhara Carpet Center, where he observed the intricate process of weaving silk carpets in various sizes. Impressed by the craftsmanship, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the artisans' meticulous handiwork: "Watching the process of creating these exquisite carpets is a true delight. I am deeply impressed," he said.

Indeed, Uzbekistan’s handicrafts, much like its ancient history and natural landscapes, are exceptionally rich and diverse. They encapsulate a fusion of various cultural traditions, and Uzbek craftsmanship, shaped over centuries, stands out for its unique and authentic features within the broader spectrum of Eastern cultures.

In summary, Uzbekistan continues to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at fostering the development of national handicrafts and folk arts. By providing extensive support to artisans, the country ensures the continued growth of the handicraft sector, paving the way for even greater achievements in the future.