Author name: Kandahar Treasure

Afghanistan is known for its production of the pomegranate (Anaar)–with agricultural, economic, spiritual, cultural and even medicinal value. The pomegranate is a universal symbol of the region, a fruit as rich in significance as it is in flavor.

Today, we are celebrating #GivingTuesday, joining millions worldwide in this global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 with a simple idea: to create a day encouraging people to do good. Over the past eleven years, this idea has become a global movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

A sage Chinese proverb advises, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

Despite overwhelming oppression, Afghan women continue to bring light to the dark days they find themselves in. Afghan women are pragmatic, tenacious, and creative as they continue to adjust to the new reality around them. Their genius is expressed in their courage and their will to continue to dream and invest in a future.

For centuries, Afghanistan has produced exquisite regional artworks, including rugs, pottery, and embroidery. The women of Southern Afghanistan have practiced and perfected one such art form, the rare and unique embroidery called khamak (pronounced kha-mahk). Girls learn this ancient art form at an early age and continue to practice it throughout their lives.

Dear friends,

2023 was a big year for Kandahar Treasure, and we cannot thank you enough for joining us on this journey during such an impactful time. Read on for a recap of the year and a quick look at what’s to come for our artisan women in 2024. We hope you will continue to support us in the year ahead!

Did you purchase an item from Kandahar Treasure’s booth at the ISNA convention? Please let us know your feedback by taking this quick survey. Your response will help us improve our products so we can better meet the needs of our customers and further support the work of our women artisans in Afghanistan. We appreciate your feedback and your support!

Kandahar Treasure debuted as an exhibitor at the 60th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention Bazaar in Chicago, Illinois, last week. It was an incredible experience to be a part of this annual convention and meet thousands of people who share similar cultures, languages, stories, and beliefs yet who represent

Meet Farzana, one of Kandahar Treasure’s youngest artisans and most recent hires. Handicapped with polio from childhood and a limp, Farzana is a 22-year-old Afghan woman who has never married. When her father passed away, her young mother became a widow and married her brother-in-law–Farzana’s uncle. After her mother died, Farzana continued practicing embroidery with her right hand, carrying on the tradition of her mother and the women before her.