Abdukahhor Khamdamov-Hand Spun Yarn, Hand-Knotted Rugs, Hand-Weaving

Master Abdukahhor Khamdamov is the director of the Handicraft Tourism Center "Shohdorvon" in Istaravshan, located  in the northern Sughd region of Tajikistan, southwest of Khujand and 300 kilometers (4-5 hours) over mountainous roads from Dushanbe.   Istaravshan is an ancient center of trade and craft, as well as one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, at more than 2500 years old.  In addition to hand spun mohair and merino wool yarn, this Center also makes hand-knotted and hand-woven carpets, as well as providing hostel services.  The business is a family affair, which handles the entire production process, from raising the sheep and goats, through shearing, carding, spinning, dying, and weaving.  They export some of their yarns and other products to Europe, and HoonArts is proud to be the first company to import their products to the US.