Turquoise Mountain Foundation

Myanmar is famous for its traditional handmade crafts: the lacquerware of Bagan, the lotus silk weaving of Inle Lake, the rich diversity of ethnic textiles, world-known gems and delicate handcrafted gold jewellery. These crafts are still taught in many regions, and represent a unique and significant part of the identity and livelihoods of people across the country. However, it is an industry in decline. Each year fewer artisans work in their crafts, and many traditional motifs, techniques and materials are no longer in use. Turquoise Mountain believes that there is enormous potential to drive sustainable economic growth across the country through job creation in the craft industry, whilst empowering women and ethnic minorities, and creating a renewed sense of pride that is so crucial for the country’s future.

As the Syrian conflict enters its ninth year, over half of all Syrians have been forced to leave their homes, and some six million are refugees outside the country’s borders. The conflict has caused unprecedented levels of destruction to Syria’s heritage, and the crafts skills and traditions which provide meaning and pride for people have been endangered. Turquoise Mountain is now working in Jordan to support artisan entrepreneurs from Syria and elsewhere and connect them to global markets. We are also engaging and educating Syrian children, ensuring that they maintain a connection to their heritage, past and identity.

The Turquoise Mountain Primary School sits at the heart of Murad Khani, a neighbourhood listed as the fourth poorest in Kabul in a 2006 survey by Action Against Hunger, with its residents unable to access education. The Turquoise Mountain Primary School now provides education to over 120 students, half girls and half boys, from the Old City of Kabul. The students are offered classes in Dari, mathematics, English and Islamic study, as well as calligraphy, miniature painting, drawing, and embroidery. Through the school’s connection to the Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture, these students are given the opportunity to learn about Afghan crafts and Islamic art more widely from an early age.

The Feroz Koh (Turquoise Mountain) Family Health Clinic is an urban clinic serving over 20,000 patients a year in Murad Khani, which was listed as the fourth poorest neighbourhood in Kabul in a 2006 survey by Action Against Hunger. It offers community-oriented primary healthcare and training in family medicine, and has been serving the local community since 2011. It focuses on family health and specialises in maternal-child health and community health outreach. We have served almost 136,000 patients to date, 70% of whom are women.