The third Saudi International Handicrafts Week, also known as “Banana,” that is held from November 13 to 26, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture.
Representatives from over 40 countries, as well as over 400 local artisans, will participate in the event.
Held as part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025, the event aims to empower local entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their market presence and utilize their skills.
This year, the handicrafts week also attracted participants from Turkmenistan. Representatives of the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan presented their hand-woven carpets, silver jewelry, and ceramics.
Oguljennet Mollaeva, a lecturer in the Department of Applied and Decorative Arts at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, emphasized that the event, organized by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, provides an excellent opportunity to promote national heritage and introduce visitors to the traditional Turkmen art of carpet weaving, which is included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Shazada Orazberdivev, a lecturer in the Department of Applied and Decorative Arts at the same Academy, spoke to guests about various types of national ornaments, such as “gulyaka,” “tumar,” and “bilezik,” and their cultural significance.
Hezretguly Annageldyev, a lecturer at the State Academy of Arts of Turkmenistan, presented his unique works to visitors. These included elegant vases, jugs, figurines, and other ceramic pieces. Each piece, Hezretguly noted, is a special dedication to the International Year of Peace and Trust.
