“Remember, it’s not the job that makes the person, but the person who beautifies the job.”
This line, from the famous Soviet film The Queen of the Gas Station, which has been screened on millions of television sets, carries a profound message. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, startups, and influencers, Guliston-based jeweler Abdukarim Nabiyev has found his calling in craftsmanship, serving people through his passion. He embodies this very value.
A Craft That Demands Patience and Dedication
Abdukarim Nabiyev, who has been practicing his craft professionally since the age of 18, has trained over 50 apprentices to date. According to him, becoming a jeweler is not as difficult as some other professions, but it requires immense patience and time to master.
From a young age, Abdukarim was praised by his teachers for his patience and attention to detail. He recalls enjoying labor classes in school, taking pleasure in decorating fir trees or helping with household repairs.
“I grew up in a family of artisans. Perhaps that’s why, as I moved to higher grades, I developed a hobby of drawing patterns, collecting various branches and old items, and turning them into works of art. This prepared me for my craft. That’s why it’s important to start learning manual skills, creating things from childhood, as early as 5th or 6th grade, if you want to pursue a profession like jewelry-making,” he says.
In his opinion, school graduates or older individuals often seek quick results and faster ways to earn money.
“Although jewelry-making is a lucrative craft, significant financial benefits may only come after several months or even years.”
Membership in the "Hunarmand" Association
In 2006, 21-year-old Abdukarim Nabiyev joined the "Hunarmand" (Artisan) Association. According to Muzaffar Rahmatov, head of the Sirdaryo regional branch of the association, Nabiyev has not only successfully participated in various international festivals and competitions but has also been generously sharing the secrets of his craft with underprivileged children from remote areas.
Muzaffar Rahmatov lists nearly twenty national and international exhibitions, festivals, and events that our protagonist has participated in since 2016. These include the Bukhara Silk and Spice Festival, the "Tashabbus" competitions, the "Oltinqo‘l Hunarmand" international exhibition, the Tashkent International Tourism Fair, melon festivals, and celebrations of Navruz and the harvest season.
“Abdukarim Nabiyev is one of the most active members of the association. His energy is admirable, whether in his workshop, with his family and community, or in other aspects of life,” Rahmatov adds.
Recognition
For any artisan, the greatest recognition is the high demand for their creations. Abdukarim Nabiyev has been serving hundreds of jewelry enthusiasts for over 22 years.
He is frequently invited to morning TV shows and programs. He has been awarded prizes at festivals and competitions.
In 2024, he participated in the 2nd International Jewelry and Embroidery Festival in Bukhara, as well as the Craft Fair, where he was honored with the title of "Best Artisan of the Year."
“I think I have everything a person needs to feel truly happy. Jewelry-making is a timeless craft. There is work for jewelers now, and there is demand for them. There will be in the future too. I wish more young people would consider this craft as a future profession and choose it,” he says.
Perhaps, in the famous Soviet film, the protagonist’s journey from dreaming of being a broadcaster, stewardess, or ballerina to eventually flourishing in a technical field was part of the era’s propaganda. Of course, everyone should pursue the profession they love.
But our hero emphasizes, “When young people choose their careers, society often sets standards like programming or lawyering—‘white-collar’ jobs. I hope they don’t overlook hundreds of other professions that align with their unique talents and interests.”
By Saidaziz Azamov
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