“One cannot be selfish in this business, or in life altogether. You have to work with each other. Be helpful as much as you can.”
Words by Tatiana Summers. Photographs by Charles Cave.
Just moments from Victoria, nestled among Eccleston Street, a little blue shop sits peacefully amid the hustle and bustle of one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. As peaceful as it might seem, this shop, known as the Turkmen Gallery, is bursting with the vivacity of history and culture from across Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Established by Afghan-born Turkmen Omar Masom in 1995, the Turkmen Gallery is Masom’s personal continuation of his family’s legacy in the carpet and textile industry, which was started by his grandfather and expanded by his father around 120 years ago in the ancient city of Merv.
A treasure chest of furniture and artefacts, the Turkmen Gallery is a unique exhibition of Central Asian craftsmanship, designed to be appreciated and admired by people far from its place of origin. “Everything comes from how passionate I am about promoting arts and crafts from Afghanistan––my country of origin––and Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, [and] Central Asia as a whole. Politicians are busy doing their politics, so I [believe] it is my ability to promote arts and crafts that will [make the most impact].”
From carpets to cushions, trinkets to textiles, the Turkmen Gallery is a sea of vibrant colours and intricate designs that showcase a captivating glimpse into the beauty of fascinating regions. However, for Masom, obtaining such possessions is a meaningful and deliberate process. Woven into a world that values the ancient principles and practices of his home country, Masom is selective when choosing, sourcing and importing his products, albeit quite generous. When buying items, often sold in Central Asia, he confesses, “I’ve become a shopaholic. I didn’t think of my side, that it would take me a long time to sell them. I just wanted to buy and help.” He explains that, “Afghanistan is full of ‘barakat.’ It means ‘everyone benefits.’” Business is all about collaboration, the welding of one another’s skills and knowledge to produce something authentic and inspiring. It is through this journey that prosperity is promised to many, not only preserving the traditional methods of manufacturing in those areas, but enabling Masom to find new and loving homes for such beautiful things, steeped in culture and heritage.
Masom’s dedication to the Turkmen Gallery, his family heritage and the arts and crafts of his home country have earned him recognition in the fashion and film worlds. Whether it is a regular visit for design inspiration from John Galliano when at Dior or a prop stop for upcoming Hollywood films, the Turkmen Gallery remains a beacon of creativity and cultural immersion, winning over the minds and imaginations of those who walk through its door.
So, if you happen to find yourself strolling along Eccleston Street, be sure to check out Omar Masom’s little blue shop. Who knows what treasures lie within its walls.
Discover this piece inside the Afghanistan Chapter at The Silk Road Issue 12
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