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Today I would like to talk about Suzani. What is Suzani? Translating from Farsi language “Suzani” can mean “a needle”. Suzane or Suzani in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is a carpet that is embroidered with silk or mouline thread with a special kind of hemstitch called “kandakhiel”. In 2014 four ancient Uzbek Suzanis were immediately sold for £ 43,875 at the Sotheby’s auction in London. These works of decorative and applied…

Today I would like to talk about a skull-cap. There is a legend about the creation of the skull-cap. According to this legend, in old and ancient times there were disputes between supporters of orthodox Islam and representatives of nomadic culture, for whom the strict and severe prohibitions of religion were alien.Arab missionaries wanted to force a young beautiful woman living in the steppe to put a headscarf on her…

Today, like many centuries ago, khan-atlas is one of the most recognizable brands in Uzbekistan. A rave of colour of the silk is amazing in its originality and magnificence. It is interesting that khan-atlas is used in  collections by well-known designers like Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, John Galliano. It is very pleasing that today the khan – atlas recovered its former glory and again adorns women from all over…

Uzbek national dances let to more deeply understand the people feel their character, desires, aspirations. Uzbek dance is distinguished by smoothness, grace and most importantly by colorful costumes. The dancers spin in the dance like whipping-tops, hover in the air and freeze in deep hogs. Then, modestly bowing they fall to their knees and gently wave their hands. Their dance can impress everyone. In old times the dancers of Bukhara…

The State Museum of the Temurids History was opened on October 18, 1996 in Tashkent in honor of the 660th anniversary of Amir Temur. The museum is a combination of medieval “Temuridsky” style with modern architectural one. It has a round shape with a large blue dome and graceful columns. There is a beautiful fountain at the entrance. The building has three floors, the first one is used for staff,…

Since ancient times Uzbekistan is famous for its carpets. During past centuries the carpets were very expensive at cost and generally they were used to decorate the palaces of khans and nobles. And nowadays in Uzbekistan carpet is the symbol of prosperity, comfort and well-being. This is a mandatory gift for a newly married couple at the wedding. There are many carpet factories around the republic. Besides, there are many…

During many centuries Uzbekistan and the whole Central Asia have been the crossroads of various religions. It was the religion that played a key role in uniting the peoples living in this territory regardless of their nationality and race. Today young Uzbekistan is a secular state where all religious organizations and associations are equal as per the law. The predominant religion in Uzbekistan is Islam, and more specifically, Sunni Muslims….

Artistical handicraft takes a special place in the culture of Uzbekistan. Since the ancient times from one generation to another the secrets tricks of the trade have been transferred, motif have been carefully kept, art schools were established which thereafter became the centres of different handicraft centers. The proximity of the past and present in architecture, art, traditions create the uniqueness of Uzbekistan. Ceramics is one of the most ancient…

One may carry on an endless conversation about heritage of Uzbek culture, spirituality, especially music. Today we are going to talk about “makoms”. This traditional musical and singing genre formed as far back as in the middle of the century and took a place of honour in Uzbek professional music. Some researchers find “makoms” to be a development of the Zoroastrianism culture came into long before  Islam. Probably, initially the…