Afghanistan Pavilion at Global Village offers traditional souk experience

Look out for the 20th edition of Global Village that will be open to visitors from November 3.

Landlocked Afghanistan is known worldwide for its mountains, valleys and historical locations. The nation is proud of its history, culture and tradition. Interestingly, its strategic position along the ancient Silk Road has connected it to Greek, Iranian and Indian cultures, among others, and this is evident in the fascinating exhibits sourced from the markets of Kabul and Herat.
For UAE residents who find it difficult to travel to Afghanistan, its pavilion at Global Village provides an opportunity to experience the popular market ambience of the cities right here in Dubai.
Traditional jewellery designs attract the interest of female shoppers. The delicate designs are handmade and are well-liked by Afghan women.
Carpet weaving in its ancient form is highly sought-after. Pure wool and silk are used to weave the carpets. Eco-friendly colours derived from pomegranate, herbs, and cinnamon, in addition to many other natural ingredients, are used to create art pieces for homes.
Explains a carpet stall owner: "There is a whole process involved in the production of handmade carpets. Some Afghans are in the business of washing the wool, some in dyeing, while others physically weave the carpets. A rug of 1.5 metres takes about three months to make. There are four provinces that specialise in carpet weaving - Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz."
Afghanistan is also one of the leading producers of high-quality almonds, raisins, apricot, plum and pistachios. Saffron, dried fruits and nuts are also preferred by visitors.
Don't miss out on the ice cream, made fresh at the pavilion. "The ice cream is available in just one flavour, is freshly made and has a creamy texture. It is one of the best ice creams that I have had," says UAE resident Beena James, who is a foodie and traveller.
So mark your diary for November 3. Visit the upcoming edition of Global Village and note Afghanistan as a must-see pavilion.
The 20th edition of Global Village begins on November 3, 2015, and ends on April 9, 2016. Look forward to one of its biggest seasons so far.
suchitra@khaleejtimes.com