The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) invites young people aged 14 to 25 from all over the world, including Turkmenistan, to take part in the international photo contest “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads”, as reported turkmenistan.gov.tm.
The theme of the 2025 contest is “Women – Keepers of the Silk Road Heritage”. Participants can submit photographs reflecting various aspects of the role of women in preserving cultural heritage.
The subjects include women engaged in crafts such as weaving, embroidery, ceramics, pottery, other activities related to intangible cultural heritage, participating in traditional sports and games. Special attention is paid to women involved in music, including playing musical instruments, as well as dancing, practicing oral traditions.
The interests of the organizers include culinary and gastronomic traditions passed down by women from generation to generation. Entries are encouraged to feature women writers, teachers, artists, traders and scholars involved in cultural and intellectual exchange along the Silk Roads.
The competition will also highlight events that bring together people from different cultures and communities, organised by women during celebrations, important events and in their daily lives. Portraits of women from the Silk Roads regions that reflect their cultural identity, resilience and wisdom are also encouraged.
Cameras will be presented to the first three winners in each age category (14–17 years; 18–25 years). Around 60 of the best photographs in the competition will be included in a professional photo book, “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads”, and may be exhibited worldwide.
The deadline for submissions is 20 July 2025.
To participate in the competition, please create an account here: https://unescosilkroadphotocontest.org/en/participate. You should then upload your photos to the competition website via your account (minimum – one photo, maximum – twenty).
For any questions you may contact: silkroadsphotocontest@unesco.org.
