November 16, 2024
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
A vibrant celebration of the Hazara culture was seen at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Saturday. The event was based on a project focusing on the promotion and protection of Hazara cultural heritage, which aims to safeguard and promote the marginalized Hazara community and the unique aspect of its heritage through documentation, artisan training, heritage education, and promotional events, while also creating market linkages and empowering local artisans with digital literacy skills.
The Hazara Heritage Cultural Fair and Craft Exhibition also featured cultural stalls showcasing the community’s traditional dresses, handmade crafts, food items, and decorative pieces. Stunning photography and paintings showed the unique settings and perspectives, portraying cultural life, rural settings of the Hazara community. Stalls also displayed the community’s traditional jewelry. Many participants attended the event, admiring the rich cultural display.
The event was held in partnership with British Council (Culture Protection Fund), Faiz Foundation Trust, and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. Local partners of the event included the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and We The Humans (WTH).
Hazara artisans need more economic opportunities
The significance of the Hazara crafts is multifaceted. The organizers said they were focused on addressing the dire needs of the artisans/craft- persons of the Hazara community. The event aimed at enabling their digital literacy and creating market linkages to provide economic empowerment opportunities to the local Hazara community. An increase in demand creates employment opportunities, which in turn, fosters skill-development, encourages entrepreneurship, and strengthens the overall social fabric.
Actor Adeel Hashmi of the Faiz Foundation, also visited the exhibition. He praised the initiative and the work of the Hazara community.
“The Faiz Foundation was formed to promote cultural activities and peace through culture, an ideology central to Faiz Ahmed Faiz,” he said while speaking to Voicepk. “Collaborating with Hazara artists has been a privilege; their art is extraordinary, with over 350 artists and craftsmen contributing to this exhibition.”
Hassan Nasir Jamy, Secretary of the National Heritage & Culture Division, emphasized the importance of equipping artisans with skills to market their crafts.
“We have worked tirelessly to bring this exhibition to life. The artisans are skilled, but they lack awareness of how to sell their cultural items. This exhibition is a step toward helping them connect with markets.”
Hazara artist Fayaz Baloch, who exhibited his work also spoke to Voicepk.
“We displayed items made by artists and craftsmen with their materials. Our goal is to promote their creativity, particularly in jewelry-making, painting, photography, and designing traditional dresses.”
Visitor Amna Ali expressed her admiration, saying, “This event is a beautiful initiative. The Hazara community has great potential, and this exhibition is an excellent platform to showcase their traditions and culture.”
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Preserving & Promoting the Hazara Cultural Heritage,” where participants deliberated on the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding the community’s rich cultural legacy.
A panel discussion was held on design intervention in Kilim Making, Hazara Embroidery, Sawatkari Jewelry and developing skills in Market Linkages & Digital Entrepreneurship. The musical heritage of the Hazara community was also displayed in a Dambura performance.