KUALA LUMPUR, 20 October. /Dunyo IA/. Uzbekistan’s national pavilion was prominently showcased at The ASEAN Arts and Crafts Bazaar 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur from 10 to 20 October, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The Uzbekistan national pavilion was organized by the Handicraft Development Corporation under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia and in collaboration with the Association of Artisans of Uzbekistan.

The exhibition featured craftsmen from 15 countries, including ASEAN member states, China, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

As part of the event, a diverse range of handicraft products was showcased, accompanied by master classes on traditional crafting techniques. The Uzbekistan national pavilion prominently featured ceramic works produced by skilled artisans from the "Otashin Pottery" company, highlighting the country’s rich heritage in ceramic craftsmanship.

At the opening ceremony, Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, emphasized that this international event dedicated to arts and crafts serves to foster closer ties among peoples and cultures, while advancing cooperation between nations. He presented Uzbek artisans with a special certificate in recognition of their valuable contribution to the organization of the international handicrafts exhibition within the framework of this event.

The artistry of Shakhrisabz potters, who create wonders from ordinary clay, captivated members of the Malaysian royal family, government officials, and representatives of the diplomatic corps attending the exhibition. In particular, the decorative glazes and exquisite folk art pieces crafted by master artisan Rustam Muzaffarov from Shakhrisabz impressed the attendees, especially the Chief Minister of the Malaysian state of Malacca, Mohammad Ali bin Mohammad Rustam, who was among the honoured guests.

Rustam Muzaffarov is a seventh-generation potter from Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan, renowned for his traditional ceramic artistry. In 2014, he was honoured with the "World Craft Council Excellence Award" for Handicrafts, recognizing his exceptional contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts. His works have been exhibited internationally and are housed in galleries across several countries, including France, the United States, Russia, and Japan.

Muzaffarov's creative workshop is listed as a cultural heritage site, underscoring its significance in the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Currently, he imparts his expertise in pottery at the "IB Maple Bear School" in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, contributing to the education of future generations in the art of pottery.