June 01, 2023
Last week, I mentioned that I brought home some brand-new products from Tajikistan from the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse 25th Anniversary celebration in Boulder, Colorado. I just couldn’t resist these dramatic items– all featuring one of my favorite natural stones, brilliant blue lapis lazuli. I hope . . .
Continue Reading
May 25, 2023
I just returned from a delightful weekend in Boulder, Colorado, where I was honored to be able to participate in the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Tajikistan is renowned for its amazing hospitality and the weekend . . .
Continue Reading
May 18, 2023
As a fair trade business, social impact is at the heart of our mission.But I've put off looking at quantitative measurement of our impact, because it seemed impossible.We just have too many challenges.But recently, I figured out that . . .
Continue Reading
May 11, 2023
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, which will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary later this month, is a unique and beautiful cultural landmark located in Boulder, Colorado. The Teahouse is a stunning example of traditional artisan crafts from Tajikistan, and it stands as a symbol of friendship and cultural . . .
Continue Reading
May 04, 2023
Every year on the second Saturday of May, people around the world come together to celebrate World Fair Trade Day. This annual event recognizes the contributions of the Fair Trade movement to the fight against poverty, exploitation, and climate change. Fair Trade is all about ensuring that . . .
Continue Reading
April 27, 2023
Even in Central Asia, the home of suzani, most people use the term “suzani” to refer to the large embroidered tapestry-style panel as well as the style of embroidery used on the suzani tapestries. Technically, suzani only refers to the large tapestry (traditionally 2 x 3 meters or 3 x 4 meters in size). Wealthy families and aristocratic families . . .
Continue Reading
April 13, 2023
Deer stones are large, ancient standing stones found throughout the region of Central Asia known as the Mongolian Plateau, which includes parts of Mongolia, China, and Russia. They are particularly numerous in the Khövsgöl and Arkhangai provinces of Mongolia, where over . . .
Continue Reading
April 13, 2023
The Usoi Dam is an impressive natural engineering feat located in Tajikistan's Murghab River. It is the tallest dam in the world, measuring 1,860 feet in height and 4,490 feet in length.The Usoi Dam was created as a result of a rock slide triggered by an earthquake that blocked the Bartang River in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains on . . .
Continue Reading
April 06, 2023
Do you want to explore a new place off the beaten path? Have you ever heard of Kyrgyzstan? This landlocked country in Central Asia, located along the ancient Silk Road, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Kyrgyzstan boasts an impressive array of . . .
Continue Reading
March 30, 2023
Where does your mind go when you see the word “Uzbekistan”?
Have you ever heard of Uzbekistan and wondered where it is, or what this country in Central Asia has to offer?
Uzbekistan is a land of ancient cities, rich history, and stunning architecture. The country is known for its beautiful mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums, all intricately decorated with . . .
Continue Reading
March 23, 2023
People everywhere celebrate the arrival of spring as a renewal of life and relationships. In our partner countries of Central Asia, that celebration is known as Navruz (also seen written in English as “Nowruz” or "Nawruz").
Navruz (meaning “New Day” in Farsi and Tajik) is the . . .
Continue Reading
March 16, 2023
One of my favorite “close to home” international expeditions is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market (IFAM).
Every July IFAM brings the very best folk artists from around the world to my hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico. This year, 162 artists from 52 countries were chosen from . . .
Continue Reading
