The large-scale 3rd Saudi International Handicrafts Week ("Banan") is taking place in Riyadh, becoming a highlight of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts. Held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan from November 13 to 26, the event brought together representatives from over 40 countries and over 400 local artisans.

The goal of the forum is to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs and promote cultural heritage. This year, artisans from Turkmenistan also participated in the exhibition. Representatives of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan brought handmade carpets, exquisite silver jewelry, and original ceramics to the exhibition.

Masters of the Academy of Arts emphasized that the large-scale forum in Riyadh provides an excellent opportunity to promote national heritage and introduce traditional Turkmen art to an international audience, particularly carpet weaving, which is included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Participants in the Turkmen exhibit held educational presentations on the cultural significance of national jewelry. Forum guests learned about the symbolism of jewelry such as "gulyaka," "tumar," and "bilezik."

Participation in Saudi International Handicrafts Week allowed Turkmen artisans to expand their presence in the international market and strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

ORIENT