The mayor of Talavera, José Julián Gregorio, highlighted that “culture is one of the best bridges to bring peoples together, share who we are, and build future opportunities” during the event marking the presentation of the exhibition 'Chang'an under the Tang dynasty: a cosmopolitan, diverse, and open metropolis'. This exhibition allows residents of Talavera to connect with one of the brightest periods in Chinese history.
The event featured a delegation from Xi'an, including Zhang Xuedong, Deputy Secretary General of the Xi'an Municipal People's Government; Feng Jian, Deputy Director of the Xi'an Municipal Office of Cultural Heritage; Li Yan, Director of the Xi'an Museum; Liu Xiaying, Head of the Museums Division of the Municipal Office of Cultural Heritage; and Zhao Fengyan, Deputy Director of the Institute for Cultural Heritage Conservation and Archaeology of Xi'an. Also present were local councillors Enrique Etayo (Culture), Javier Muñoz-Gallego (Economic Promotion), and Gelen Delgado (Crafts).
During his speech, Mayor Gregorio underscored the existing connections between Talavera and China, particularly through their ceramic traditions and the importance both cities place on the preservation and dissemination of their heritage. He recalled previous collaborative experiences, such as the exhibition of Dehua white porcelain held in Talavera and the visit of Talaveran ceramicists to Jingdezhen, an international ceramic hub. These initiatives have facilitated knowledge sharing, the discovery of new techniques, and strengthened relationships between professionals from both regions.
Gregorio concluded that this understanding with Xi'an should serve to “promote concrete collaboration projects, encourage professional exchanges, and foster joint initiatives in areas such as conservation, research, and heritage dissemination.” He also emphasised the need for this cultural relationship to continue with new generations, reaching young people, creators, and artisans, thereby opening new opportunities for learning and development.
The exhibition dedicated to Chang'an, now known as Xi'an, offers a journey through the life of this great metropolis during the Tang dynasty (618-907), when it was one of the world's main political, economic, and cultural centres. With a population nearing one million, Chang'an was noted for its cosmopolitan nature, vibrant commercial activity, and ability to welcome people, products, and cultures from various places.
Visitors can explore different scenes showcasing international markets, taverns, tea traditions, performances and acrobatics, leisure activities in the surrounding areas, as well as homes and everyday objects. This journey allows for an understanding of the richness of a civilisation marked by the exchange between East and West and the spirit of openness of the ancient Silk Road.
