Afghanistan was once a great centre of civilisation found at the heart of the ‘silk road’. Their craft industry, a source of great pride for the Afghan people, suffered greatly after more than three decades of conflict and displacement. Turquoise Mountain trains a new generation of young Afghan artisans, ensuring the livelihoods of its students by connecting their work to markets across the globe. These craftswomen and men learn centuries-old skills and work with contemporary designers to produce their unique handmade pieces. 

In a conflict-ridden society with a debilitated economy, Turquoise Mountain provides education and employment for over 400 students, teachers, engineers, architects, and construction workers. The organisation is training a new generation of artisans, and reviving all but forgotten craft techniques and designs.