#China #Shanghai #Shanghai TV Festival #Hami Heritage #Uyghur Embroidery

Hami's Cultural Heritage Takes Center Stage

At the recent Magnolia Awards held during the 30th Shanghai TV Festival, a captivating event celebrating television and film, one particular focal point drew the attention of attendees and media alike: the incredible dress featuring the intricate embroidery of Hami's cultural heritage.

The spotlight was on the talented Chinese actress Mukkadas Kurban, who lit up the red carpet wearing a breathtaking Uyghur embroidered dress created by Kader Rahman. This dress is not merely a fashion statement; it represents the rich intangible cultural heritage of Hami, a city embedded in the historical Silk Road narrative.

The Art of Traditional Embroidery

What makes this dress so unique is its exquisite design, adorned with beautiful peony embroideries. This remarkable craftsmanship is the result of Kader Rahman's dedication to preserving the traditional techniques of Uyghur embroidery from Xinjiang. His meticulous needlework brings these vibrant designs to life, showcasing three-dimensional peonies on a delicate fabric that captures the essence of traditional art.

The creative innovation didn't stop there. Incorporating the artistic techniques of Suzhou silk, the young designer Shuting QIU blended these traditional embroideries into a modern context, creating a garment that speaks to both historical and contemporary issues in fashion.

Mukkadas Kurban expressed her profound appreciation for the opportunity to wear such a striking piece, stating, "It filled me with immense pride to wear a millennium of Hami's cultural legacy with every step on that red carpet. Presenting this invaluable treasure of intangible heritage to the world was deeply moving.”

Hami: A Historical City of Heritage

Hami's historical significance stretches far beyond its beautiful garments. The city serves as a modern energy hub and a strategic base for coal-to-oil and gas conversion, reflecting a blend of contemporary advancements with deep-rooted traditions. Additionally, Hami's engagement in equipment manufacturing and cultural tourism highlights its multifaceted development trajectory.

Historically, Hami is intricately linked to the Silk Road narrative, with fascinating tales coming from the ancient city of Barkol and stories of willow trees associated with the famous general Zuo Zongtang. These locales echo a rich collective memory that has shaped the region's identity.

The city's natural wonders, from the breathtaking DaHaiDao to the diverse and splendid landscapes of the eastern Tianshan Mountains, leave visitors in awe and provide a tapestry for exploring the depths of Hami's cultural richness.

In addition to its cultural showcase, Hami is gearing up for its 19th Melon Festival, set for July 11, 2025. This annual festival extends a worldwide invitation to relish its famous melons, recognized for their extraordinary sweetness, reaching up to 22° Brix.

As Hami continues to celebrate its heritage through fashion, art, and special events like the Melon Festival, it stands as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy and a beacon for cultural appreciation on the global stage.