These knives cut steel

Preparations for the Second International Festival of Crafts are underway in Kokand, Uzbekistan. In the run-up to the event, which will take place from 10-15 September 2022, we’ll be showcasing some of the crafts and artisans which have earned Kokand the title of World Craft City.

Hereditary knife maker Khasan Umarov melts rare metals into what is known as Damascus steel, and uses it to make exclusive knives. The handle of the knife also requires special attention; it is hand crafted from animal bones. The quality of Umarov’s workmanship and the intricate patterns on the blades have captivated hearts around the world and caught the attention of serious collectors. He has travelled extensively to promote his craft, and he is a regular participant in international festivals.

“After Kokand was declared the World Craft City and later the Tourism Capital of the Turkic Council, the flow of tourists noticeably increased,” explains Umarov. “The quality requirements for knives are different. Previously, the demand was more for small and cheap goods, but now visitors want high-quality products which will serve them for years.”

Tourism is driving the revival of many of Kokand’s traditional handicrafts, and the city’s administration is creating new spaces for craftsmen to work. New workshops have been built inside the Jami Madrasah complex, a historical monument, and multiple artisans are working side by side. Not only are they practising traditional skills, but they are also experimenting with new technologies and styles, ensuring the continuing development of their respective crafts.

One workshop resident, woodcarver Otabek Umarov, is already preparing for September’s festival. “Hundreds of artisans from 78 countries took part in the First International Handicrafters Festival, and this year we expect even more.” He has already chosen which products he will submit to the festival’s competitions, and is following his competitors in other countries online to see how they’re doing. Kokand’s city’s administration is getting ready, too, repairing historical buildings and upgrading tourism infrastructure.

 Sophie Ibbotson – Uzbekistan’s Tourism Ambassador to the UK