ISHKAR: Homeware helping craftsmanship in war-torn countries thrive

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ISHKAR have come together with partners from across the world to restore these pathways once again through a unique blend of travel, craftsmanship and story-telling.

WORDS FROM ISHKAR:

In ateliers across Afghanistan - from mountain villages, to basements off bustling urban bazaars - we came to meet artisans crafting modern day heirlooms, steeped in history and rich in character.

Yet in Afghanistan there is neither the money, nor the demand for high end craft. Neglected, unable to sustain their businesses, many artisans have downed their tools, and with them, their ancestral skills too.

This situation is not unique to Afghanistan. Look to Syria and Mali, Yemen and Iraq - craftsmanship is in the same state of peril.

ISHKAR is our attempt at a solution.

OUR PRODUCTS

MADE SLOW TO LIVE LONG

All over the world, craftsmen are coming under threat from mass production. In countries experiencing conflict this threat is all the more acute. Through ISHKAR we want to create a sanctuary for craftsmanship in its purest form: valuing slow production over fast, the human hand over the machine, natural materials over the synthetic.

ANCESTRAL SKILLS, MODERN DESIGN

All too often age-old craftsmanship is combined with age-old design. We believe craftsmanship is at its best when guided by contemporary design and imagination. That’s why many of the products we sell are the result of collaborations between top international designers and craftsmen on the ground.

CREATING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

We have chosen to work only with craftsmen in war zones because they have been cut off from the international market. By providing fair wages, we are committed to helping craftsmen grow their businesses despite challenging economic environments.

SUPPORTING NGOS

The vast majority of our products are purchased through local NGOs, ensuring a proportion of the money we invest is recycled back into development projects ranging from providing craftsmen with educational opportunities, right through to supporting local schools and healthcare clinics.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT ISHKAR: CLOTHING, JEWELLERY, HOMEWARE, MATERIALS, PHOTOGRAPHY & GIFT SETS.

 
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