Talking Travel and Craft Alchemy with ISHKAR

Accessing the world's most remote regions, supporting craft traditions in countries in conflict, and the last remaining glassblower in Afghanistan

Right now, in a tiny village in an isolated land far away, there’s a master craftsman creating something beautiful that tells a story as old as time. Until recently, it was nearly impossible to support their work or help keep those artisanal traditions alive.  

Thanks to ISHKAR, that narrative is changing. Founded in 2016 by Edmund de Brun and Flore de Taisne, ISHKAR provides a much-needed platform for craftspeople in countries affected by conflict to sell their beautiful artisan products, sustain their livelihoods, and share their stories with the rest of the world. The rugs are woven by women working from home under the Taliban. The colorful hand-blown glasses are made in the last remaining glass workshop in Herat, Afghanistan. And the jewelry from Myanmar is crafted by the country's first generation of female goldsmiths. 

They also lead small groups of curious and critically-minded travelers to many of these same extraordinary, rarely visited parts of the world.