In Dushanbe, on March 3-4, the Tajikistan Craftsmen Union, with the participation of various charitable organizations, is holding the Spring Crafts Fair at the Ismaili Center. I decided not to stay away from this event and visited the fair on March 3. Visiting a crafts fair is interesting because it offers the opportunity to see, in one place, practically all the crafts of Tajikistan and the craftsmen themselves, although here it might be more appropriate to call them artists. Of course, much of what is presented at the fair can be seen in the city's souvenir shops. But here, you have the chance to see and talk with the people who make all these things, which means you can choose or even order something special, to your own taste, that might not be available in a store. That's the practical benefit of this event, but we shouldn't forget that it is also the original and unique creativity of very gifted people.

Visiting the fair is a big event in itself; it's a close encounter with the rich cultural tradition of Tajikistan. Most of the crafts have been practiced for centuries, and the craftsmen presenting their works often turn out to be the heirs of dynasties that began in ancient times. There are, of course, also those who have mastered ancient crafts by their own choice, meaning not as a family craft. Also, various enthusiasts who are single-handedly restoring ancient, and sometimes forgotten, crafts. You also meet artists who have their own unique vision and create something completely new and unusual, while adhering to traditional motifs. So to speak, a kind of reinterpretation of cultural heritage, which turns out, in my opinion, to be very interesting. All of this is very exciting and enlightening. If you haven't had a chance to visit this, or a similar event, I highly recommend it.

Right at the entrance, we are greeted by the works of students from the "Art-Doshan" children's creative development center.

Well, then, as I made my way through the fair, I turned left and the first thing I came across was a table with national dolls laid out on it.

Next, we are greeted by tables with works by ceramic masters.

Combs, souvenirs, paintings, both in oil and made from gemstones, prints, and all of it handmade – very beautiful things.

Here are the works of a married couple, these are like souvenirs and quite functional, modern items, made using national motifs.

National knives, how could we do without them. I asked the craftsman, souvenirs or can they be used? He replied that there are both souvenir ones and fully functional ones, suitable for simple vegetable cutting and for special use, for example, as a hunting knife.

Handmade soap.

Here, by the way, is handmade footwear in a modern classic style. This is a crafts fair, after all, meaning it's not necessarily only about national color. And the footwear, it must be said, is very high quality and stylish.

Next, we have more souvenirs and works from various masters – embossing, paintings, carpets, stone items, jewelry.

Very interesting knitted items.

Works by carpet weaving masters – that phrase sounds a bit off, in short, handmade carpets.

These are works by textile artists; here you also find knitting and souvenirs, as masters are usually multi-disciplinary people.

Another example of reinterpretation, modern postcards using national motifs.

Next, I'll post photos of the fair's exhibits without comments, because it seems everything is already clear.

Of course, not all exhibits made it into this overview; some photos didn't turn out well, and I simply didn't have time to cover more. My head was spinning from the abundance of colors and wonders, both at the fair and when I looked through the photos again. All of this truly needs to be seen with your own eyes.

So, if you live in Dushanbe, be sure to go to the fair – you won't regret it, to this one or the next ones; the Tajikistan Craftsmen Union organizes them quite regularly. And if you live far away, then come visit, as the saying goes: "Tajikistan is a fairy-tale land – come visit, it'll be grand!"

Spring Crafts Fair, Dushanbe, Tajikistan