Aga Khan Development Network: Photos of Silk Road Musicians and Artists During the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC, USA, 28 June 2002 - "A search for new forces of stability," was how His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, today described one of the pressing needs of the moment in Central Asia. One such force "that seems particularly essential," he said, "is the validation and vigorous promotion of human and cultural pluralism ... For the new countries of Central Asia, the inherent pluralism of their societies can be an asset rather than a liability. In a wider sense, it can be a means for enlarging the frontiers of global pluralism.... This is a goal, with which we can all associate and should all associate."

	Boy virtuoso carries on the cultural traditions of Northern India while performing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. - Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji


	Colourfully painted buses are a feature of the Pakistani portion of the Silk Road. Here, a famous bus painter from Karachi applies the finishing touches on a new work prepared specially for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. - Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji


	Turkish singers, in front of a replica of the Hagia Sophia mosque of Istanbul, prepare for a performace of folk songs and music on the National Mall. - Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji


	Some of the record crowds visit Samarkand Square on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Capitol building is in the background. - Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji


	Traditional Azerbaijani musician performing at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. - Photo: AKDN/Zahur Ramji