One of the cultural milestones in Uzbekistan, it continues to attract all those committed to helping preserve and support the traditions of our nation. A large-scale project originated by the Fund Forum three years ago, it gave itself the goal of bringing together and demonstrating Uzbekistan’s colorful national crafts, customs and rites. Year after year, the Festival becomes enriched with new events and draws an increasing number of visitors from around the world.

While known as a sort of a guardian of original traditions, the festival is held annually in a different city and promises the full diversity of Uzbek art, cuisine, customs and oral traditions. Thus far, the cities that have hosted the grand festivity include Tashkent, Shakhrisabz and Khiva. This year, the venue for the upcoming cultural spectacular is the historical city of Bukhara, a place where life has bustled and art, science and trade has prospered. This year, in addition to a series of cultural events, the festival will include scientific events which will focus on issues in maintaining and conserving the ancient traditions of nations living in Uzbekistan.

Bukhara - is one of the world’s oldest cities and the Pearl of the Orient listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With a history that spans over 2,500 years, the city retains its ancient culture, which is visible not only in its architectural legacy but also in its traditions and customs. The monuments of various historical landmarks reflect the centuries-old history of architectural development in the area.

The first Bukhara settlement emerged in the early centuries of the Common Era. In the 6th century, it became the capital of a feudal Bukhara oasis. The city of Bukhara (shakhristan) formed near an artificial hill, which was crowned with an ancient citadel (ark). However, as settlements of craftsmen (rabads) emerged beyond the confines of the city, they surrounded themselves with a protective wall along with the shakhristan. As of today, we may witness its remains dating to the 16th century. The history of Bukhara, which stretches millennia, has left traces that continue to be unearthed.

Bukhara is a hub of many forms of Uzbek traditional arts. The city boasts world-famous embroidery art, filigree jewelry, and masterful ornamental wood carving and painting. It also offers exquisite copper-chased items and colorful ceramics among other art types. Bukhara is particularly famed for its silk carpets crafted on the basis of ancient traditional methods that were revived thanks to talented contemporary representatives of crafts dynasties. The ancient architecture of the city is certain to make a lasting impression on the visitors who will be attending the Festival.

The ancient architecture of the city is certain to make a lasting impression on the participants and visitors who will be attending the Festival.