ArtsNational Newcastle illustrated lecture - Carpet Ride to Khiva

Carpet Ride to Khiva presented by Chris Aslan

Chris Aslan tells his own story of working with UNESCO to establish a silk carpet workshop in the desert oasis of Khiva, Uzbekistan - the most homogenous example of Islamic architecture in the world.

His work took him to the bazaars of Afghanistan to purchase natural dyes, and to the great libraries and museums of Europe to track down 15th century manuscripts to revive carpet designs from their illuminations. He also saw the lives of women transformed and became the largest private employer in town.

Chris Aslan was born in Turkey and spent his childhood there and in Beirut. After school, he spent two years at sea before studying Media and journalism at Leicester University.  And then he moved to Khiva, a desert oasis in Uzbekistan, establishing a UNESCO workshop reviving fifteenth century carpet designs and embroideries, and becoming the largest non-government employer in town. He was kicked out as part of an anti-Western purge and took a year in Cambridge to write A Carpet Ride to Khiva.

Light refreshments, including a complimentary glass of wine, will be served following the lecture; providing an opportunity to meet the lecturer and socialise.