Ikat is a time-intensive dyeing technique that produces an attractive pattern on both sides of a fabric. In Uzbekistan, the history of ikat atlas and adras making goes back to the Late Antique Period. In the early centuries of the Third century AD, Margilan was a great center of commerce and cultural exchanges. Silk fabrics from Margilan were delivered to numerous destinations in Europe and Asia through merchants.
Traditional crafts went through turbulent times during the Soviet regime, jeopardizing some ancient production practices. In response to the urgent need to preserve and revive a tradition that was at risk of disappearing, Margilan's Crafts Development Center was established in 2007 by the UNESCO Tashkent Office in cooperation with Margilan's Government.
Through innovative training sessions, exhibitions at craft fairs, and the organization of traditional textile festivals, the CDC will safeguard, develop, and promote the Uzbek tradition of making atlases and adras. They will also publish safeguarding materials and manuals.
CDC's success stems from the CDC's focus on a spirit of partnership, and the local communities play a key role in its initiatives since they understand the importance of natural materials and their role in ensuring the well-being of people. In addition, the CDC supports the use of natural materials and the transmission of knowledge and skills about nature and the universe.
The Government provided the center with a restored Sayid Akhmad Khoja madrasah, which is now the center's home. There are three generations of masters in Margilan's Crafts Development Center: Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov (9th generation representatives), Alisher Akhmadaliev and Makhmudjon Tursunov (3rd generation representatives), and Sherzodjon Goziyev (2nd generation representative).
Today, more than 500 masters in Margilan weave adras, beqasams, and ikats. About 3000 people are helping them as assistants. The masters have made a great contribution to revitalizing ancient ikat making and natural dyeing, including other textile schools.
Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov received the UNESCO Seal of Excellence (2005) for the old design of Bukhara silk-velvet ikat - "A'lo Bakhmal". Also, a cooperative agreement was signed between the Center and the National Crafts College located in Margilan, allowing for the annual training of about 100 young people in the ancient atlas- and adras-making techniques, natural dyeing technologies, and enhancing their skills