The Silk Road: Connecting Cultures, Creating Trust
odd: label: Introduction
content: The Silk Road defines an exchange of products, both material and intellectual, across Eurasia from China to the Mediterranean, traditionally from the 2nd century B.C.E. through the first twelve centuries of the Common Era. People who know something of the Silk Road think first of the transport of silk to Rome or the expansion of Buddhism from India to China, although certainly it is much more. But why silk, and why a road to describe this exchange? Silk provides the example of a mysterious luxury product for which people throughout the region were willing to pay high prices and even jeopardize lives. And the "road" refers to the exchange of those material products that traveled by land, although this literal meaning must be extended to include cultural and spiritual exchanges that would be part of a metaphorical Silk Road. Beyond these definitions the idea of the Silk Road is still available for new interpretations. And in the political environment prevailing in 2002, the idea was particularly evocative.

Visitors to the Festival were greeted by five "sentinels of arrival," landmarks along the ancient Silk Road: St. Mark's Square in Venice, Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) mosque/church/museum in Istanbul, Registan Square in Samarkand, the Xi'an bell tower, and the great gate to Todaiji Temple in Nara. Each housed a stage that reflected a different performance tradition. The performing arts selected for the Festival were grouped into spiritual activities, courtly entertainment, local celebrations and entertainments, nomadic presentations, and new musics that draw from tradition. Spiritual music, for example, provided the program an opportunity to present the stories of the expansion of religion - Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity - along the Silk Road. Buddhist monks from Tibet and Sufi Muslim devotees from Turkey and Bangladesh highlighted the central role that religion played in Silk Road trade.

Existing examples of ancient silk, pottery, carpets, and glass all tell very specific stories of travel and exchange and remind us of the extent to which people across the region have been connected throughout history. What may be surprising to some, however, is how many such objects are still made today. The curatorial staff chose to feature ceramics, silk and cotton textiles, carpets, paper, and stone and metal products, including glass. Each was in a different compound - the Paper Garden, the Ceramics Courtyard, the Silk Grove, the Family Oasis, and the Jewel Garden - and told a story from a different period along the Silk Road, including, in some cases, a chapter from life in the United States. Paper, for example, was invented in China and remained a secret of the region for centuries; along with written language, writing materials were thought to possess magical qualities. Religious texts as well as commercial bills were written out and transported along a route that, through such communication, could more easily function. Each region added its own distinctive features of paper art including Turkish marbling and Italian watermarks. Similar elaborations have been made in the art of calligraphy, which, particularly in Islamic and Chinese cultures, has become highly refined and stylistically differentiated as to school and usage. Representatives of these schools still train new generations of artists along the Silk Road and in the United States.

The movement of religious traditions around the world has arguably been one of the most important forces throughout world history. Both Islam and Buddhism were introduced to millions of new adherents along the Silk Road, and these conversions continue to alter the face of our world. These religions, along with all of the above exchange goods, have also altered the face of the United States. Many Americans drink tea in fine china, buy "Oriental" carpets, and certainly wear garments of cotton, wool, and silk. They are likely familiar with Asian martial arts and may attend an Islamic mosque. The Silk Road has extended to the United States and, since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, understanding that connection clearly has become more important. The 2002 Festival offered its million visitors the opportunity to learn more about the roots of this vital connection and to celebrate the long-standing relationships that have existed between East and West and North and South. The Festival provided a rare opportunity to connect with other cultures as well as with one's own and in doing so, in a small way, to build trust between and within cultures of the global Silk Road.

Richard Kennedy and Theodore Levin were Co-Curators, assisted by a Curatorial Committee whose members included Milo Beach, Jean During, Henry Glassie, Tom Kessinger, Alma Kunanbay, and Yo-Yo Ma. Cristin Bagnall, Jean Davidson, Catherine Gevers, Richard Kennedy, Richard Kurin, Theodore Levin, Diana Parker, and Esther Won made up the Production Committee. Rajeev Sethi was Festival Scenographer, and James Deutsch, Stephen Kidd, Arlene Reiniger, and Shayna Silverstein were Program Coordinators. Betty Belanus was Family Activities Coordinator; Jane Farmer was Paper Garden Coordinator; Marjorie Hunt was Silk Grove Coordinator; and Diana Baird N'Diaye was Fashion Court Coordinator.
label: Researchers and local coordinators
content: Abduvali Abdurashidov, Mila Ahmedova, Omer Akakça, Bassam AI-Kahouaji, Dinara Amirova, Nahomi Aso, Najmieh Batmanglij, Betty Belanus, Laura Beldiman, Susan Blader, Guanghui Chen, Rta Kapur Chishti, Shafique Rahman Choudhury, Jerome Cler, Ardasher Dekhoti, James Deutsch, Hermine Dreyfuss, Cloe Drieu, Jean During, Jane Farmer, Sasan Fatemi, Walter Feldman, Henry Glassie, Chen Guanghui, Harold Hagopian, Elias Hanna, Rachel Harris, K. David Harrison, Bhagwati Prasad Hatwal, Martha Huang, George Jevremovic, Neslihan Jevremovic, Stephen Jones, Richard Kennedy, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer, Stephen Kidd, Doug Kim, Peg Koetsch, Alma Kunanbay, Gavyn Lavergne, Theodore Levin, Firoz Mahmud, Elshan Mansurov, Peter Marsh, Andranik Michaelian, Nataliya Mussina, Afanassij Myldyk, Olima Nabiva, Eden Naby, Mohammed Nasseripour, Liesbet Nyssen, Susan Pertel-Jain, Aziz Rahman, Marjorie Ransom, Arlene Reiniger, Rajeev Sethi, Pravina Shukla, Razia Sirdibaeva, Atesh Sonneborn, Youssef Summad, Nancy Sweezy, Takashi Takahara, D. Tserenpil, Shu-ni Tsou, Oguzhan Tugral, Mark van Tongeren, Seric Walley, Philippa Watkins, Chris Walter, Toshio Watanabe
label: Presenters
content: Sibel Akad, Omer Akakça, Bassam AI-Kahouaji, Dina Amirova, William Belcher, Susan Blader, Camilla Bryce-Laporte, Sertac Çakim, Charles Camp, Guanghui Chen, Rta Kapur Chishti, Dinara Chochunbaeva, Shafique Rahman Choudhury, Jerome Cler, David d'Heilly, Tenzin Dickyi, Hermine Dreyfuss, Jean During, Jane Farmer, Walter Feldman, Alysia Fischer, Gail Forman, Helen Frederick, Ganbold, Henry Glassie, Harold Hagopian, Rachel Harris, K. David Harrison, Bhagawati Prasad Hatwal, Catherine Hiebert Kerst, Neslihan Jevremovic, Alison Allen Jia, Mark Kenoyer, Dipti Khera, Doug Kim, Benjamin David Koen, Peg Koetsch, Alma Kunanbay, Gavyn Lavergne, Tom Leech, Theodore Levin, Yo-Yo Ma, LaVerne Magarian, Firoz Mahmud, Peter Marsh, Nataliya Mussina, Eden Naby, Joan Nathan, Liesbet Nyssen, Nilgun Peksalli, Susan Pertei-Jain, Steven Prieto, Frank Proschan, Marjorie Ransom, Philip Schuyler, Shubha Sankaran, Pravina Shukla, Robin Ami Silverberg, Madan Gopal Singh, Nancy Sweezy, Takashi Takahara, Geshe Lobsang Tenzin, Oguzhan Tugral, Michael Twitty, Kojiro Umezaki, Mark van Tongeren, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Wang Yousheng, Chris Walter, Philippa Watkins, Jeffrey Werbock
label: Participants
content: PERFORMANCE TRADITIONS

AFGHAN MUSIC

(AFGHANISTAN, UNITED STATES)

Homayoun Sakhi, vocal,  -- rubab

Toryalay, tabla

Araa Zalmai, vocal,  -- doira

AITYS: --  NOMADIC TOURNAMENT

(IRAN)

Masheallah Akbari (Azeri), vocal,  -- balaban

Asheq Hasan (Azeri), vocal,  -- saz

Youssef Dibaei (Turkmen), vocal,  -- kamanche

Anaberdy Vejdani (Turkmen), vocal,  -- dutar

(KAZAKHSTAN)

Almasbek Almatov, vocal

Sayan Aqmolda, vocal,  -- qylqobyz

Rysbek Ashimov, vocal

Sholpan Beimbetova, vocal

Yedil Khussainov, jew's harp

Amandik Komekulu, vocal,  -- dombra

Serzhan Shakrat, vocal

(KYRGYZSTAN)

Ruslan Jumabaev,  -- komuz

Kenjekul Kubatova,  -- komuz -- , vocal

(TAJIKISTAN)

Sator Fozilov,  -- doira

Oumar Temourov,  -- ghijak

(TURKMENISTAN)

Lale Begnazarova, vocal

Maksat Begnazarov, vocal

Osman Gujimov,  -- dutar

(QARAQALPAKSTAN, UZBEKISTAN)

Zulfiya Arzumbetova, vocal,  -- dutar

Salamatdin Kaipnazarov,  -- ghijak

BADAKHSHANI MUSICAL TRADITIONS (TAJIKISTAN)

Nobovar Tchanorov,  -- satar -- ,  -- rubab -- , vocal

Mouborakcho Djoumaev,  -- rubab

Zarina Kobilova, dancer

Djoumakhon Madjidov,  -- rubab -- , vocal

Ulfatmo Mamadambarova, vocal,  -- doira -- ,  -- chang

Moussavar Minakov,  -- satar -- ,  -- ghijak -- ,  -- rubab

Gulbek Saodatov,  -- satar

BEIJING OPERA FEATURING QI SHU FANG (CHINA)

Ding Mei-Kui

Huang Chen Lin, second fiddle

Huang Shi Rong, big drum

Li Peng

Li Shi-sheng, gong

Liu Chunnuan

Qi Shufang

James Qian, fiddle

Sun Ya Hui

Zhao Zhen Ping, moon mandolin

Zhao Zong Quan

BEZMÂRÂ (TURKEY)

Kemal Caba,  -- kamanche

Ayse Serap Çağlayan,  -- kanun

Walter Feldman,  -- kudum

Aziz Şenol Filiz,  -- ney

Fikret Karakaya,  -- çeng

Osman Kırklıkçı,  -- sehrud

Birol Yayla,  -- tanbur -- , --  kopuz -- , guitar

BUKHARAN JEWISH MUSIC AND DANCE (UNITED STATES)

Ilyas Malaev Ensemble  -- Ilyas Malaev EnsembleYusuf Abramov, tarMatat Barayev, doiraOchil Ibrahimov, vocal, tar, ghijakTamara Kataev, dancerIlyas Malaev, vocal, tarIzro Malakov, vocalMuhabbat Shamoeva, vocal

Shashmaqam  -- ShashmaqamAboshaul Aminov, vocalOsher Barayev, doiraDavid Davidov, tarFiruza Junatan, dancerBoris Kuknariyev, vocal, accordionShumiel Kuyenov, doiraIzro Malakov, vocalShoista Mulldzhanova, vocal

Sazandas  -- SazandasTravis F. JarrellFiruza JunatanTamara KataevTofahon Pinkhasova

CALICANTO (ITALY) -- CALICANTO (ITALY)Claudia Ferronato, vocalNicola Marsilio, clarinet, flute, sax, dudukGiancarlo Tombesi, double bassRoberto Tombesi, vocal, mandola, diatonic accordion, bagpipesPaolo Vidaich, percussion

CHINESE STORYTELLING (CHINA)

Chong Yujie, Jingyun  -- dagu

Jai Jainguo, Kuaiban

Jiang Yunxian, Suzhou  -- tanci

Lian Liru, Beijing  -- pingshu

Mu Xiangzheng,  -- sanxian  -- accompanist

Tang Gengliang, Suzhou  -- pinghua

ETHNOS SHINGIGAKU: ASIAN MASK DANCE THEATER (JAPAN)

Mannojo Nomura, producer

Théodore Bah (Guinea), actor

I Made Djimat (Indonesia), actor

Fujita Shuji, staff

Hashimoto Katsutoshi, actor

Hatakeyama Yuko, musician

Ino Makiko, actor

Irino Tomoe, musician

Challissery Antony Joy (India), actor

Kang Cha Wook (Korea), musician

Kawamura Kohei, musician

Kim Do Yoen (Korea), actor

Kim Yong Mok (Korea), actor

Koga Kumiko, staff

Lakshmipathy Narendra Kumar (India), actor

Kuwabara Kayo, staff

Lee Dong Yong (Korea), actor

Lu Hairong (China), actor

Miura Tsuneo, actor

Qian Tenghao (China), musician

I Ketut Rudida (Indonesia), actor

Sugawara Kaori, actor

Latyr Sy (Senegal), musician

Shinsuke Suzuki, staff

Ye Fang (China), actor

HUA FAMILY SHAWM AND PERCUSSION BAND (CHINA)

Hua Jinshan, drum

Hua Lei, small cymbals

Hua Yinshan (leader), shawm

Hua Yun, shawm

Xie Jian, gong

INDIAN MELA PERFORMERS (INDIA)

Aziz Khan, magician

Kishan, son of Laxman Bharti, juggler

Kishan, son of Sharwan Nath,  -- behrupia

INDIAN OCEAN (INDIA)

Ashim Chakravarthy, tabla, drums

Amit Kilam, drums

Rahul Narasimha Ram, bass

Susmit Sen, guitar

KATHPUTLI PUPPET THEATRE (INDIA)

Guddi Bhatt

Jagdish Bhatt

Puran Bhatt

MANGANIYAR MUSIC OF RAJASTHAN (INDIA)

Gazi Khan Bar ana,  -- dholak -- , --  khartal -- , --  morchang

Anwar Khan, vocal

Kheta Khan, vocal

Chanan Khan Manganiar,  -- khamayacha -- , --  vocal

MAQAM (UZBEKISTAN, TAJIKISTAN)

Mastona Ergashova, vocal

Abdurahim Hamidov,  -- dutar

Jurabek Nabiev, vocal

Shawkat Nabiev,  -- ghijak

Shuhratdjon Nabiev,  -- tanbur

MONGOLIAN MUSICAL TRADITIONS

I. Amartüvshin,  -- morin huur

G. Khongorzul,  -- urtiin duu  -- (long song singer)

Ts. Sansarbayar,  -- yatga

N. Sengedorj,  -- hoomii  -- throat-singer, fiddles

B. Tsengelmaa,  -- bielgee  -- dancer

MUGHAM  -- (AZERBAIJAN)

Elnur Ahmadov,  -- kamanche

Aydin Aliyev,  -- garmon

Niyamettin Babyev, vocal

Elchin Hashimov,  -- tar

Adalat Nasibov,  -- saz

Leyla Rahimova, vocal

MUQAM OF THE UYGHURS (CHINA)

Rozi Tukhluk (Uzbekistan), vocal,  -- rawap -- , --  tanbur

Nur Mähämmät Tursun,  -- satar -- ,  -- tanbur

Sänubär Tursun, vocal,  -- dutar

MURAS (KYRGYZSTAN)

Toktobek Asanaliev, komuz, vocal

Gulbara Baigashkaeva,  -- komuzl temir komuz

Bakytbek Chatyrbaev,  -- qylqiyak

Nurlanbek Nyshanov,  -- komuz -- , --  chor -- , --  chopo chor -- , --  temir komuz

PARISA AND DARIUSH TALAI: PERSIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC (IRAN)

Parisa, vocal

Dariush Talai,  -- tar

ROKSONAKI (KAZAKHSTAN)

Yermek Diyarov, vocal, guitar

Ruslan Karin, vocal,  -- saz-syrnai -- , --  shan-kobyz

Viktor Khomenkov, keyboards

Yedil Khussainov, vocal,  -- djetygen -- ,  -- shan-kobyz -- ,  -- saz-syrnai -- ,  -- sybyzgy -- ,  -- kamys-syrnai

Abay Rakhyshev, vocal, drums

Kazbek Spanov, vocal, guitar

SABJILAR (KHAKASIA, RUSSIA)

Altyn Tann Anna Burnakova,  -- khai -- , percussion

Chanar Khyr Khaas,  -- khai -- ,  -- chatkhan

Aycharkh Sayn,  -- khai -- ,  -- chatkhan -- ,  -- qobyz

SHOGHAKEN ENSEMBLE (ARMENIA)

Tigran Ambaryan,  -- kamanche

Gevorg Dabaghyan,  -- duduk

Aleksan Harutyunyan, vocal, dancer

Hasmik Harutyunyan, vocal, dancer

Karine Hovhannisyan,  -- kanun

Kamo Khachatryan,  -- dhol

Grigor Takushyan,  -- dham duduk

Levon Tevanyan,  -- shvi -- , zurna

THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE

Edward Arron, cello

Nicholas Cords, viola

He Cui,  -- sheng

Gevorg Dabaghyan,  -- duduk

Sandeep Das, tabla

Joel Fan, piano

G. Khongorzul, long song vocal

Jonathan Gandelsman, violin

Joseph Gramley, percussion

Colin Jacobsen, violin

Dong-Won Kim,  -- chang-go

Yo-Yo Ma, cello,  -- morin huur

Shane Shanahan, percussion

Mark Suter, percussion

Kojiro Umezaki, shakuhachi

Yang Wei,  -- pipa

Beixing Xiang, erhu

UZBEK PUPPET THEATER

Venera Yusupova

Gulshat Nazarova

Dinara Yuldasheva

CRAFT TRADITIONS

BEAD MAKERS

Haji Ashoor (Pakistan)

Luigi Cattelan (Italy)

Abdul Momin (Pakistan)

CALLIGRAPHERS

Issa M. Benyamin (United States)

Niyaz Kerim Xarki (China)

Muhittin Serin (Turkey)

Alvin Y. Tsao (United States)

Oğuzhan Tuğrul (Turkey)

John S.C. Wang (United States)

CERAMICISTS

Chen Xinching (China)

İbrahim Erdeyer (Turkey)

Mehmet Gürsoy (Turkey)

Higaki Hachiro (Japan)

Kang Qing (China)

Maekawa Denko (Japan)

Masuda Shigeyuki (Japan)

Haripada Pal (Bangladesh)

Ahmet Hürriyet Şahin (Turkey)

Nurten Şahin (Turkey)

Tatebayashi Hirohisa (Japan)

Xu Xiutang (China)

Yie Dongxi (China)

CLOTHING DESIGNERS

Lola Babayeva (Uzbekistan)

Turdukan Borubaeva (Kyrgyzstan)

Tatiana Vorotnikova (Kyrgyzstan)

Nakagawa Sochi (Japan)  -- Nakagawa Sochi (Japan)Azechi RikaKishimoto KanehiroKoiwa JunNakagawa MasahiroNakagawa Tatsuya

Taras Volikov (Uzbekistan)

GLASS BLOWERS (SYRIA)

Hasan al Kazzaz

Mhd. Nazir al Kazzaz

METALWORKERS AND JEWELERS

Richard Furrer (United States)

Sirajul Islam (Bangladesh)

Mohamad al Malli (Syria)

George Oubid (Syria)

B.D. Soni (India)

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MAKERS

John Bertles (United States)

Marat Damdyn (Tuva, Russia)

PAINTERS

Yeshi Dorjee (United States)

Mohammed Nasseripour (United States)

Gyan Prakash Soni (India)

Aram Vartanov (United States)

PAPER ARTISTS

Tohtu Baqi Turdi (China)

Fukunishi Hatsumi (Japan)

Fukunishi Masayuki (Japan)

Guerrino Lovato, mask maker (Italy)

Asif Mian, kite maker (India)

Feridun Ozgoren (Turkey, United States)

Roberto Rapanotti (Italy)

Zhang Fengxue (China)

STONE CARVERS

Iftikar Ahmed (Pakistan)

Ghulam Mustafa (Pakistan)

Lorisa Norbu (Tuva, Russia)

Alexei Salchak (Tuva, Russia)

TEXTILE ARTISTS

BLOCK PRINTER (INDIA)

Shaikh Mohammad Hussain

BROCADE WEAVERS (SYRIA)

Ahmad Chakkaki

Louai Jarkas

IKAT WEAVERS (UZBEKISTAN)

Bobir Ismailov

Dilbar Khalimova

Davlat Umaralyev

IKAT PATOLA WEAVERS (INDIA)

Salvi Bharatkumar Kantilal

Salvi Rohitkumar Kantilal

Salvi Vinayak Kantilal

JAMDANI WEAVERS (BANGLADESH)

Shawkat Ali

Md. Enamul Haque

NAVAJO CARPET WEAVER (UNITED STATES)

D.Y. Begay

RABARI WEAVER (INDIA)

Ramiben Ratna Rabari

TIBETAN CARPET WEAVERS (NEPAL)

Tsering Bhuti

Dawa Tsamchoe

TURKISH CARPET WEAVERS (TURKEY)

Ahmet Balcı

Mukaddes Kavak

Ummu Gülsum Yılmaz

TURKMEN CARPET WEAVERS (PAKISTAN)

Abdul Baqi

Sadaf Baqi

TUSSAH SILK WEAVER (INDIA)

Gunia Devi

TRUCK PAINTERS (PAKISTAN)

Haider Ali

Jamil Uddin

NOMADIC TRADITIONS (KAZAKHSTAN)

Almasbek Almatov, yurt builder

Sayan Aqmolda, yurt builder

Rysbek Ashimov, yurt builder

Baltabay Ibrayev, yurt builder

Amangul Ikhanova, felt maker

Zhangir Umbetov, leatherworker, yurt builder

FOODWAYS TRADITIONS

Najmieh Batmanglij (Persian)

Mukadder (Katie) Buyukunsal (Turkish)

Jinghua Chi (Chinese)

Roberto Donna (Italian)

Enzo Fargione (Italian)

Shajan Fazelyar (Uzbek)

Huilan Hu (Chinese)

Nahid Javadi (Azerbaijani)

Jila Naim (Afghan)

Marco Nocco (Italian)

Shukrieh Raad (Afghan)

Shobha Shah (Indian)

Fay Shahidi (Persian)

Nikta Shahidi (Persian)

Behjat Shahverdiani (Persian)

Sakina A. Shehadi (Syrian)

Leda Zenian (Armenian)

SACRED TRADITIONS

ALEVI SEMAH OF HUBYAR (TURKEY)

Aysel Adigüzel

Rıza Adigüzel

Allı Aydın

Hasan Aydın

Bahar Bayrı

Tutca Cücü

Hüseyin Denizhan,  -- ashik

Rüştü Durna

Süleyman Duran

Ahmet Güngör,  -- ashik

Dürdane Karagöz

Cemal Özcan

THE KUSHTIA BAULS (BANGLADESH) -- THE KUSHTIA BAULS (BANGLADESH)Anjali Ghosh Durga, vocalShunil Kormakar, vocalMd. Naimul Karim Melal, vocalSanchita Paul, vocalMd. Belal Siddique, vocal

Madan Gopal Singh (India)

TIBETAN MONKS FROM THE DREPUNG MONASTERY (INDIA, UNITED STATES)

Geshe Lobsang Chogyal

Lobsang Chophel

Lobsang Dhargye

Wangchen Dorjee

Thupten Kungkhen

Dhakpa Norbu

Tsering Phuntsok

Dondup Tenzin

URHOY CHOIR (SYRIA)

Sandy Amsih

Adnan Aziz

Edwar Danho

Ilona Danho

Fadi Karat

Izla Karat

Jean Karat

George Kentar

Maya Stifo

Samira Steifo

SPORTS AND MARTIAL ARTS TRADITIONS

ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS (UNITED STATES)

Steve Brown

Sifu Tony Chen

Christopher Cheung

Patrick Chew

Laura Copenhaver

Janet Gee

Bernard Beno Hwang

Kaela Kang

Jia Tao Zhang

BUKH: LEGENDARY WRESTLING TRADITION (MONGOLIA)

THANG-TA (INDIA)

Khilton Nongmaithem

POTOMAC POLO CLUB

Greg Ford

Mara Hagan

Charlie Muldoon

Joe Muldoon, Jr.

Joe Muldoon III

Martine Maldanado

Dave Polan

ZURKHANE (IRAN)

Morshed Mehregan,  -- morshed
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Smithsonian Institution. Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
setName: label: See more items in
content: Smithsonian Folklife Festival records: 2002 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections
identifier: label: Identifier
content: CFCH.SFF.2002, Series 2
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials