"SILK AND SPICES" FESTIVAL FOR ANCIENT BUKHARA

The beginning of May in ancient Bukhara was highlighted by the international festival of cultural traditions "Silk and Spices". Local entrepreneurs united in the Association of Tourism Firms and Small Businesses and the Centre on development of Handicrafts have initiated this cultural event several years ago. Such an initiative was strongly supported by Bukhara city and regional administrations, Uzbektourism and its Bukhara branch, and the Council on Handicrafts of Asian-Pacific Department of UNESCO.

The organizers are working on making such a festival an annual event. The lessons drawn from previous festivals and actions needed to be implemented to secure the success of a new tradition were discussed at the Round Table which took place in the "Asia-Bukhara" Hotel. Several members of AmCham in Uzbekistan had actively participated in this round table including the Secretary of the Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry Andrea Leuenberger, AmCham President Donald Nicholson II, and AmCham Kxecutive Director Tatiana Okunskaya.

During the discussion headed by the Head of the Bukhara branch of Uzbektourism, Mansur Zakirov, AmCham President Donald Nicholson spoke about festivals being an important tool for the development of tourism. He specifically emphasized the experience of small cities around the world turning their home towns into world vide known destinations. Tatiana Okunskaya spoke about using the AmCham network to promote the "Silk and Spices" festival and suggested the need for better idea of better coordination and proactive advertisement of the festival. Also at this Round Table were discussed different aspects of the promotion of handicrafts in the creation of the image of Bukhara as a world known touristic destination. Following the Round Table was a Fashion show. The designers and fashion items makers from Tashkent, Bukhara, Ferghana, Bishkek, and Almaty presented their collections. It was symbolical that loudest applause was deserved by the fashion house from Bukhara "Nozi Group"

During three days craftsmen and guests from Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan participated in the festival. More than 500 foreign tourists were visiting Bukhara attracted by the atmosphere of a festival. The opening of the festival started with a parade and procession from Registan Square at the Ark of Bukhara in the direction of Lyabi-Hauz, the famous recreational place in Bukhara. People of Bukhara in traditional costumes danced and sang national songs. The athletes demonstrated their skills in kurash ( national wrestling) and other types of sports. Traditional puppet groups, actors from drama and musical theatres, folk bands, musicians and students of the tourism college in Bukhara presented their programs.

Alimkhan Caravan-saray hosted a photo exhibition entitled "Images of ancient Bukhara", which became a bright addition to the presentation of oriental silks and spices. Local merchants were welcoming guests in tea­houses
explaining the traditions of spice caravans and showing ways of making spiced foods and beverages.

The Sashmoqom band performed Uzbek national music, while in the summer theatre of Bukhara was hosted an ethnographic performance. Uzbek wine producers also presented their products, while cooks prepared Bukhara plov. Such wine and food tasting attracted plenty of guests. At a special performance, Swiss dancer Katja Daniel presented Uzbek national dances.

The three-day event ended with the award of certificates for professionalism and mastery to all participants of the fair who were assisting in the retention of an unique cultural heritage.

Contributor: Tatiana Okunskaya