Page 7 - CENTRAL ASIA

ARTS & CRAFTS ESCAPADE IN TURKMENISTAN

4 days / 3 nights

Turkmenistan is a treasure trove for arts and crafts enthusiasts. This Central Asian country abounds in
ancient craft traditions and age-old techniques. The country has a rich tradition of carpet weaving, a deeply
rooted art form. The history of carpets in Turkmenistan is inseparable from that of the country’s various
ethnic groups.

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit carpet weaving workshops in Ashgabat or in villages such as Balkanabat, to observe the traditional
weaving process.

• Pottery classes to learn the basics of pottery making.

• Introduction to leather arts: Turkmenistan has a rich tradition of leatherwork, notably in the
manufacture of horse saddles, leather bags and shoes.
• Discover the basics of Arabic or Persian calligraphy, a practice often used to write poems or traditional
Turkmen proverbs.

The traditional art of Turkmen carpet-making was inscribed on the List of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. The carpets are characterized
by their dense texture and richly colored motifs, which are associated with
one of the country’s five major tribes. This art is widely integrated into the
social and cultural life of the Turkmen people, and is considered a sign of
identity and cultural unity.