On July 3, Turquoise Mountain Foundation held its Summer Festival and Sale of Afghan Arts at Qala-e-Noborja, a 19th century fort, in Kabul. Held in partnership with the U.S. Government, the festival and sale featured high-quality traditional Afghan crafts, including woodwork, calligraphy, ceramics, and jewelry, made by trained craftsmen.

The festival featured Turquoise Mountain’s education and urban regeneration activities and highlighted the work of the students and master teachers of the Higher Education Institute for Afghan Arts & Architecture. Additionally, Turquoise Mountain Design & Production Studio launched its new product line and unveiled Golden Eye – a project in search of master works from traditional artists around Afghanistan.  “Events such as this highlight the considerable achievements of Turquoise Mountain and are a true showcase of the high standard of work produced by students and master craftsmen who receive support from the U.S. Government,” U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry stated at the event.

Turquoise Mountain Foundation was established in March 2006, at the request of HRH Prince Charles and HE President Karzai, with the aim of regenerating urban historic areas, renewing Afghan traditional arts and architecture, and spurring the sustainable development of the nation’s craft industry. The foundation established Afghanistan’s first Higher Education Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture, including schools of woodworking, calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry design, and gem cutting. It has also rebuilt homes, provided water and drainage systems, and preserved historic buildings in the Murad Khane area of Old Kabul. Additionally, Turquoise Mountain has helped Afghan artists sell nearly $360,000 in traditional crafts by successfully supporting business development and linking those businesses with international markets.