By Uyghur Times Staff June 7, 2025 | Virginia, USA
On June 7, 2025, Ana Care and Education Uyghur School, in partnership with Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, hosted the inaugural Silk Road Fair — a joyful Eid al-Adha celebration that brought together Uyghur, Kazakh, Azerbaijani, and Uzbek communities in Northern Virginia. This cultural gathering marked a significant step toward unity, cultural pride, and community building among Turkic peoples in the diaspora.
A Day of Flavor, Dance, and Connection
The fair was alive with colorful sights and rich aromas. Guests enjoyed a wide variety of traditional dishes, from Uyghur kebabs prepared by Yaqupjan’s “Kashgar Magic,” to Kazakh pilaf, Uzbek flatbreads, and Azerbaijani delicacies. Mukaddes Khanim offered yellow rice and mung bean dumplings, Nuriye Khanim served soups, Ankar Qari brought homemade noodles and dumplings, fried breads and pancakes were crowd favorites.
A Kazakh girl showcasing her culture in front of kazakh yurt at the fair.Kashgar magic Kebab by Yaqupjan Nur kashgari
Stage Performances and Artistic Expression
The event featured vibrant musical and dance performances. Azerbaijani singer Gunay delivered heartfelt songs celebrating her homeland and Turkic unity. Students of AnaCare, led by teachers Marziya and Adalet, performed elegant and soulful Uyghur dances, wearing traditional attire. The children, dressed in beautifully embroidered garments, danced with joy and confidence — symbols of cultural continuity and pride.
Azeri singer Guney performing her patriotic Azerbaijani songs.Uyghur students from Teacher Merziye’s class performed the Uyghur dance “Dilharaj” at the fair.Uyghur girls performing a traditional Uyghur dance.Uyghur girls at the class of teacher Adalet performing a traditional Uyghur dance.
Cultural and Artisan Marketplace
Vendors displayed an array of traditional crafts and goods: Uyghur and Central Asian clothing, jewelry, home décor, fabrics, musical instruments, and fine arts. The lively market atmosphere reflected the spirit of the Silk Road — exchange, creativity, and tradition shared across borders.
some cultural products at the fair.
Message from the Organizers
Irade Kashgari, founder of AnaCare and the Uyghur language school, stated:
“This fair was organized to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, foster mutual understanding with other communities, and leave a strong cultural foundation for our youth.”
Irade Kashgari delivered the keynote speech at the event.
The event was moderated by Tahir Imin Uyghurian, a Uyghur scholar and founder of Uyghur Times, who coordinated and presented the program on stage.
Tahir Imin Uyghurian is moderating the event on stage.
As the first of its kind, the Silk Road Fair was a great success and is expected to become an annual tradition — growing larger and more inclusive each year. It not only showcased the beauty of Turkic cultures but also strengthened bonds of friendship, solidarity, and resilience among diasporic communities.
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