The ancient and eternally young city of Kokand has welcomed the commencement of the Second International Handicrafts Festival. Artisans from all over the world have gathered in this majestic city to take part in the event.
The celebration began with a grand parade of foreign visitors, artisans and local citizens along Turkestan Street.
The opening of the International Handicrafts Museum was marked by speeches from the Head of the Department of Social Development of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Odil Abdurakhmanov, President of the World Crafts Council-Asia Pacific Region (WCC-APR) Saad Al-Qaddumi, and Hokim of Fergana region H. Bozorov, who all highlighted the importance of the festival in fostering friendship between people.
Urda Square was the venue for an exhibition and sale of handicrafts from Uzbekistan and other countries. Folk festivals and performances by folklore groups added to the festive atmosphere.
M.Suleymanov, photos by M.Qodirov, UzA