Atlas is a traditional fabric made from silk threads, and Adras is woven from silk and cotton threads, both using the same technology and is known as ikat.
Tajik people have been weaving these fabrics for centuries, associated with knowledge and practices. The element's knowledge and practices have been passed down from generation to generation. When Tajikistan was part of the Soviet Union, it built two small weaving factories instead of allowing people to work on traditional handicrafts.
Since Tajikistan gained independence in 1991, local people have continued to weave ikat cloth, one of their traditional crafts. The preparation of cloth in the past consisted of 40 steps, according to old craftsman Ibrohim Mamadjonov. In terms of ornaments, Atlas and Adras have several kinds, which include lola (tulip), zaratlas (golden atlas), khonatlas (king atlas), boychechak (snowdrop), bargi karam (cabbage leaves), and namoshom (evening prayer). Atlas and adras cloth dresses are widely worn by women and girls during traditional and official celebrations, in workplaces, schools, and at home. The element is mostly carried by women, but there are plenty of craftsmen in Khujand who learned the element's knowledge and skills from their parents and grandparents.
Atlas and adras knowledge is preserved, transmitted, and promoted by certain communities, groups, and individuals. A State Program for preserving intangible cultural heritage on Tajikistan's territory was approved by the Government in 2013. In the frame of this program, the element was documented and inscribed to the National Inventory of the ICH. Sughd region has established the "School for revival and development of atlas and adras weaving and other folkcraft", which coordinates with local weaving centers. A silk festival was held in 2017 by the government of the Sughd region called "Atlasu Adrasi Sughd." Tajikistan's parliament has also adopted a resolution on the "2019-2021 Year of Rural Development, Tourism, and Handicrafts". On this date, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon proposed exempting artisans from income taxes.
Furthermore, Tajikistan's State Program on Development of Silkworms and Silk Threads for 2020-2024 is another aid to safeguarding this resource. In the art and handicraft colleges of the Sughd region, as well as in the capital city Dushanbe and other cities and districts, in the related departments of the universities of the country are taught special courses on knowledge and skills of the production of atlas and adras. Winners of the festival competition were presented with valuable gifts by the Head of the Government of Sughd region.