At your Services: Mr. Sadiq Tawfiq

The Khyber Pass was founded in 1980 as "a labor of love" by Sadiq Tawfiq. Born in Herat, and educated at the University of Kabul, Tawfiq is an Afghan- American who is grateful for the opportunity he found in America to combine his love of art, history and Afghan culture in a business that benefits both cultures. "Both his grandfather and father were well-known merchants in Afghanistan. They instilled in me an appreciation our country’s tribal art and, in particular, a deep love for the beautiful rugs that are still hand-woven by families using traditional methods more than 4,000 years old." A tribal art expert, Tawfiq believes strongly in the power of art to help build bridges of cultural understanding. He regularly lectures at schools and universities and has served as a technical advisor on movies such as Rambo III and Three Kings.

We’ve Been Building Up to this for Generations.

For centuries, some of the best examples of Eastern and Western culture flowed through Afghanistan’s Khyber Pass. Countless caravans and their priceless cargoes helped endow the area's indigenous tribal peoples with a wondrously rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their remarkable handmade textiles, jewelry and works of art. Today, however, another Khyber Pass also links West and East. The Khyber Pass of Southern California currently operates two retail locations offering an enchanting range of authentic tribal rugs, kelims, collectible jewelry and art from Western Asia and the Far East. With new rugs, art and crafts always arriving, your visit is almost certain to be rewarded with something of surprising beauty or unique charm.

You’ve found “the genuine article.”

Unlike stores that come and go with the latest fashion trends or hi-tech gadgets, The Khyber Pass has been a trusted resource for handmade tribal rugs, kelims, collectible jewelry and art for nearly a quarter of a century. Each one-of-a-kind work of art offered by The Khyber Pass is, in short, "the genuine article." Not the latest output from some automated assembly line. Or a cheaply made imitation churned out in an offshore factory or sweatshop. Instead, everything we offer at The Khyber Pass is handmade by highly skilled tribal artisans who still proudly, patiently and expertly employ traditional techniques that are, in many cases, thousands of years old. Which is why, nearly every item at The Khyber Pass is sold with its own Certificate of Authenticity that documents it origin and history.