By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan hosted the International Jewelry Forum and Exhibition, " At the origins of Oxus Treasure", in Dushanbe, coinciding with the International Nowruz celebrations. This event, held over three days (from the March 24 to the March 26, 2025), took place at the Dushanbe Expo Center.

The opening ceremony was attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Kholikzoda Hokim Khikmatullo, alongside heads of local executive bodies, ministers and department heads from participating nations, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, and educational institutions.

The forum featured over 200 jewelry companies and brands, as well as independent jewelry designers and artisans, from Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

A key component of the forum was the exhibition-fair showcasing jewelry products from local and international brands, craft organizations, and individual designers. This exhibition was open to the public, including residents and visitors of Dushanbe, industry professionals, media representatives, and students specializing in jewelry design and production.

In addition to the exhibition, the forum featured a fashion show highlighting exclusive, handcrafted jewelry collections by young Tajik designers and jewelers. These collections, inspired by the "Treasures of Oxus" theme and the Tajik jewelry heritage, aimed to showcase the creative potential of local talent using local raw materials, including precious and semi-precious metals and rare gemstones.

The Minister of Industry and New Technologies Sherali Kabir highlighted the significance of the "Oxus Treasure," a collection of over 1,300 jewelry artifacts dating from the 4th to 5th centuries BCE. The originals are housed in the British Museum in London, their journey marked by a fascinating history: discovered by local residents, sold to Bukharan traders, and ultimately acquired by the British military. A replica of this collection is displayed at the National Museum of Tajikistan, offering public access to these historical treasures.

Tajikistan boasts a rich and ancient jewelry heritage. The archaeological site of Sarazm, dating back approximately 6,000 years, served as a prominent metallurgical and jewelry center. Situated along ancient trade routes, Sarazm facilitated the distribution of precious metals and stones, solidifying the region's status as a hub of jewelry production in antiquity. Under the initiative of President Emomali Rahmon, significant efforts are underway to revive classical jewelry traditions. Unique schools of jewelry art, particularly in silverwork, have been preserved in cities such as Kulyab, Khujand, Istaravshan, and Panjakent. Current initiatives aim to further develop and promote these traditional crafts.

Technological innovation park has been established in Dushanbe to foster joint projects for jewelry production development. The first jewelry company, "Zarafshon," is operational, with another company scheduled to launch soon. Plans are in place to create new industrial clusters to support industry growth and expand production capacity.

A stable supply of precious metals is crucial for the development of the jewelry industry. Last year, Tajikistan's gold production increased by nearly 19%, and the country is actively developing one of the world's largest silver deposits. Tajik gemstones are renowned internationally. Notably, the Tajik ruby from Mountainous-Badakhshan was incorporated into the crown of the Russian Empire, and historical records suggest that stones from Tajikistan adorned the British crown.

Tajikistan Government committed to preserving and promoting its jewelry heritage on a global scale. The rich history of Tajik jewelers warrants international recognition, and the recent forum represents a significant step towards fostering industry development, strengthening international cooperation, and attracting investments in Tajik jewelry production.

The International Jewelry Forum and Exhibition was a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration between international and local industry representatives, facilitating the development of effective projects related to jewelry production and strengthening partnerships between government and business.