From 23-25 June, the Aga Khan Foundation UK hosted its annual Silk Road Bazaar at Canopy Market, in Kings Cross, London. Much like last year, shoppers were able to learn about artisanal crafts from across the Middle East, South and Central Asia and China, and could purchase an array of unique products including Afghan jewellery, intricate Chinese crafts, Grade A organic saffron from Iran, Pakistani clothing and homeware, Egyptian leather accessories, Palestinian inspired baked treats and much more.
This year, to bring the bazaar to life, we heard mesmerising Chinese folk music from Yijia Tu and mystic Sufi devotional songs from Chand Ali Khan Qawwal. Throughout the weekend, a digital version of Christopher Wilton-Steer’s exhibition, ‘The Silk Road: A Living History’ was on display.
As part of our Work and Enterprise initiatives, the Aga Khan Foundation supports numerous artisans in countries along the Silk Road to develop their businesses, sustain livelihoods, create new jobs, and preserve cultural heritage. The Silk Road Bazaar aims to emulate this practise in London, not only to support artisans but also to bring attention to the plurality of artisanal heritage found in countries along the Silk Road. The bazaar aims to foster appreciation, tolerance, and openness towards varied cultures, values and beliefs found across Eurasia.
Journey AKF’s Silk Road Bazaar 2023
Arches are one of the most celebrated elements of Islamic architecture as they symbolise both structural ingenuity and a spiritual connection. Along the Silk Road, the use of arches not only facilitated the construction of grand mosques and palaces, but also fostered cultural exchange, representing a fusion of architectural techniques and artistic expressions across diverse civilisations.
Explore AKF’s arches through the Silk Road Bazaar ages…
First stop…knafeh! Finely shredded filo pastry sandwiched between a layer of decadent, sweet cheese, doused in rose syrup 🤤
Middle Eastern flavours have a significant influence along the Silk Road. These flavours found their way into recipes and dishes, blending with local culinary practices and creating a fusion of flavours. Saffron & Honey pay homage to their Palestinian heritage by transforming traditional Middle Eastern recipes into innovative baked treats. At our Silk Road Bazaar, you could find their signature knafeh alongside knafeh-inspired blondies, kibbeh, msakhan twists and more!
Need something to wash down those incredible Palestinian treats? Head over to Kiani Tea to get your hands on their speciality teas.
Reconnecting with longstanding familial roots that celebrate the art of authentic tea growing and nurturing, Kiani Tea source loose-leaf teas directly from highly skilled tea makers in Iran, India and China.
Following in the footsteps of ancient merchants, Barakah Base are reviving the tradition of exchanging unique Islamic crafts. Trade along the Silk Road was not solely about material goods but also about cultural and intellectual exchanges. Ideas, philosophies, and technologies were shared resulting in a rich mixture of cultures and knowledge.
Fancy trying your hand at an ancient art form? You could stop off at YICRAFTS to learn the beauty of Chinese calligraphy. Calligraphy dates back centuries, weaving intricate strokes and graceful curves into a visual masterpiece – used to preserve history, culture, and the profound beauty of written words.
YICRAFTS shares the unique but vanishing traditional handcrafts and practises of China’s minority ethnicities.
Transporting us back to ancient China, the incredibly talented Yijia Tu performed ethereal, traditional Chinese folk music. Chinese folk music played a significant role during the Silk Road with cultural exchange, diplomacy, communication and expression.
You could also find devotional Sufi singers Chand Ali Khan Qawwal transcending us to new heights with their soul-stirring melodies. Qawwali is an art form that captivates audiences with its profound spirituality and timeless lyrics.
ISHKAR share handcrafted jewellery and homeware from places that are affected by conflict or political turbulence. Shining a light on forgotten pathways around the world through craftsmanship and storytelling, ISHKAR hope to change narratives, connect people and create opportunities. Goods from Afghanistan, Mali, Syria and elsewhere were on display.
Using traditional Egyptian techniques, Mishka Handicrafts share beautiful objects that are handcrafted from the finest natural materials among Cairo’s historic Mamluk monuments in the ‘City of the Dead’.
Ishq celebrate handcrafted artefacts from the subcontinent, specifically seeking products that reveal a story which people can connect with. At our bazaar you could find an array of exquisite clothing, wall coverings and homeware from independent artisans.
Attar Apothecary work with individual farmers in Iran to provide quality single origin and organically grown saffron and rose petals. Iranian flavours are steeped in unique ingredients and combinations that have heavily influenced numerous food cultures beyond its present-day borders.
S Jo Accessories share original, one-of-a-kind accessories, drawing inspiration from traditional textile craftsmanship and handcrafted by artisans – women from villages in Pakistan. The textile jewellery is hand bound, embroidered, and stitched into beautiful designs.
Food of Gods are a transparent spice brand who are driving regenerative farming by partnering with small family-run farms in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Ghana.
Nimuri is passionate about promoting the crafts traditions and techniques that Pakistan has to offer. By selling beautiful, ethically sourced fashion and homeware, Nimuri shares unique items that tell a story about Pakistan and its artisanal history.
At the heart of our Silk Road Bazaar – an intricately woven, stunning Persian rug, kindly donated by the Eastern Rug Centre. This exquisite masterpiece draws on generations of traditional nomadic craft techniques, passed down through generations. Visitors relaxed, sipped chai, and immersed themselves in the artistry, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Thanks for joining us on our Silk Road Bazaar tour! We are looking forward to welcoming you back next year.
With thanks to all the vendors who took part, those of you who visited and Canopy Market for hosting us.
