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New London Shop Celebrates Afghan Craft Amid Taliban's Impact

12/13/2025

30 6

Summary

Story summary

Ishkar is a shop on Columbia Road in east London showcasing items from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
It was founded in 2016 by Edmund Le Brun and Flore de Taisne.
The collection includes gold jewellery, hand-knotted rugs, and glassware.
Since 2021, the Taliban's return has made craft vital for Afghan women weavers.
The shop opened permanently in 2023 after successful pop-up sales and aims to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026.

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Story summary

Ishkar is a shop on Columbia Road in east London showcasing items from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
It was founded in 2016 by Edmund Le Brun and Flore de Taisne.
The collection includes gold jewellery, hand-knotted rugs, and glassware.
Since 2021, the Taliban's return has made craft vital for Afghan women weavers.
The shop opened permanently in 2023 after successful pop-up sales and aims to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026.