Festival of gold embroidery and jewelry in Bukhara

The Festival of Gold Embroidery and Jewelry is a new celebration taking place in Bukhara, which was created on the basis of the Silk and Spices festival. Previously, Silk and Spices was held annually, it was very rich and versatile. And it was decided to create two festivals with a separate theme. In odd–numbered years, there will be a festival about bright silk and fragrant spices, and in even-numbered years - about expensive gold embroidery and elaborate jewelry. The first gold embroidery and jewelry festival was held in May 2022.

Gold embroidery is an ancient art of Uzbek artisans. It was widespread throughout Uzbekistan, but the weavers of Bukhara, who sewed luxurious clothes for the emir and his courtiers, were particularly skilled. Today, there is even a gold embroidery factory in the city. In addition, in many families, gold-embroidered masterpieces are created manually, and the secrets of this difficult work are passed down from generation to generation.

Jewelry is another expensive area of work for Uzbek artisans. Local craftsmen have reached heights in casting, engraving, forging gold and silver. Moreover, silver has always been more popular, and the best craftsmen working with this metal were called kumush-usto. Bukhara has several medieval trading domes, one of which has specialized in the sale of jewelry for hundreds of years, and has retained its purpose to this day.

About the festival

The Festival of Gold embroidery and Jewelry in Bukhara is a grandiose event that gathers the best craftsmen from all over Uzbekistan. Moreover, as at the Silk and Spices festival, solemn processions, concerts, dances and other events are held here to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the holiday. Usually there is a large selection of souvenirs and masterpieces from artisans in Bukhara, but during the festival the number of shops and their assortment increase several times!

At the same time, craftsmen from other countries also come to the festival.: So in 2022, more than 100 artists from dozens of countries came to Bukhara for the first festival to show their work. A number of different events take place during the holiday: workshops, seminars and exhibitions where jewelers and weavers share their experiences. The festival also hosts competitions to determine the best craftsmen, the best apprentices and young talents.

The festival of gold embroidery and jewelry in Bukhara is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the celebration of trade and crafts, find unusual jewelry, have fun in oriental style and explore the ancient city, which itself is considered the pearl of the Silk Road. The next festival will be held in May 2024.