Recently, on June 14-15, the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek hosted a trade fair in which Uzbek handicraftsmen presented their work to Kyrgyz audience/customers. A fair was not that big, but one could find very interesting things done by skilled handicraft workers – from small ceramic statues of old Uzbek men holding either non (flat Uzbek bread) or water melon, to handmade Uzbek dresses and hats.

I had a chance to talk to one of the sellers, an old Uzbek woman, Nodira opa, who came from Kashkadarya region with her good – handmade dresses, hats and bags from Uzbek national fabric. According to her, the Kyrgyz people met them very warm, and she was pleased with Kyrgyz hospitability. “After the stressful border passes, we had a chance to relax and have a rest,” says Nodira opa.

From the face expressions of customers, I could tell that they showed a great interest in the Uzbek handicraft goods, which were not that expensive. Nodira opa also told me that she often participates in such trade fairs and she thinks that this is a very good tool of strengthening a friendship between Uzbekistan and other neighboring countries, which were until recently united under the Soviet Union.

Here are some photos of the trade fair that took place in Caravan trade center in Bishkek.

Customer’s comment: This is a great fair! So many interesting things to look at and buy. I am sure that this will help two nations, Uzbek and Kyrgyz, to strengthen their relationship. Personally, I bought an Uzbek cap made from atlas (an Uzbek silk fabric).