It is in this context that the Silk Roads Project, initiated by UNESCO, assumes its significance.

UNESCO: Culture

In line with its mandate to promote mutual understanding, tolerance, reconciliation and peace through dialogue, UNESCO launched the Silk Roads Project in 1988.

UNESCO: CULTURE

Many travellers ventured on to the Silk Roads drawn by the attractions of trade, adventure and also knowledge and, in the nineteenth century, by new archaeological discoveries.

UNESCO: Culture

Thus, through the ages, the immensity of Eurasia was criss-crossed with communication routes which gradually linked up to form what are known today as the Silk Roads.

UNESCO: Culture

These peaceful exchanges between East and West, which have profoundly shaped and enriched the cultures along the Silk Roads, hold many valuable lessons for contemporary societies about the potential of intercultural dialogue.

UNESCO: CULTURE

Moreover, this platform is expected to contribute to fostering sustainable development within these countries by building national capacities for cultural industries and tourism, and enhancing the visibility of the countless historic sites, cultural events, festivals and traditions that abound along the historical Silk Roads.

UNESCO: CULTURE

Towards the middle of the 20th century, scholarly research revealed that the fabled Silk Roads, far from being mere trade routes, were cultural highways that played a pivotal role in linking East and West, intermittently bringing together nomads and city dwellers, pastoral peoples and farmers, merchants and monks, and soldiers and pilgrims.

UNESCO: Culture

The original documents were filmed by local television teams of nine countries in Central Asia as the expedition, organized within UNESCO's programme 'Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Route of Dialogue' retraced the 2, 000-year-old 20, 000 km silk and spices route linking East and West and thus ideas, religions, people, products and cultures in both directions.

UNESCO: Culture