Intangible Cultural Heritage
Margilan Crafts Development Centre, safeguarding of the atlas and adras making traditional technologies
The history of ikat atlas and adrasmaking technologies in the territory of modernday Uzbekistan dates back to the Late Antique Period Historically Margilan was the centre for making atlas and adras vivid and fine traditional fabrics Traditional crafts went through turbulent times during the Soviet period jeopardizing some ancient handmade production technologies Due to the acute need to revive and safeguard traditions at risk of disappearing the local community came up with an initiative to launch the Crafts Development Centre CDC in 2007 The CDCs goal is to safeguard develop and promote the method of Uzbek traditional atlas and adras making through innovative training sessions exhibitions and craft fairs traditional textile festivals and the publication of safeguarding materials and manuals The CDC also promotes the use of natural materials and supports the transmission of knowledge and skills about nature and the universe and their role in ensuring peoples health and wellbeing The CDCs success stems from its focus on a spirit of partnership and the local communities play a key role in its initiatives since there is a common understanding that atlas and adras fabrics are central to their identity
Uzbekistan