Festival of Gold Embroidery and Jewelry in Bukhara

The Festival of Gold embroidery and Jewelry is a new holiday 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 division of themes. In odd–numbered years, a festival will be held about bright silk and fragrant spices, and in even-numbered years - about expensive gold embroidery and elaborate jewelry. The first festival of gold embroidery and jewelry was held in May 2022.

Gold embroidery is an ancient art of Uzbek artisans. It was spread throughout Uzbekistan, but the weavers of Bukhara, who sewed luxurious clothes for the emir and his courtiers, were distinguished by special skill. 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 art is another expensive area of work of Uzbek artisans. Local craftsmen have reached heights in casting, engraving, forging gold and silver. Moreover, silver has always been more popular, and the best masters of working with this metal were called kumush-usta. There are several medieval trade domes in Bukhara, 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 grand 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 in Bukhara there is a large selection of souvenirs and masterpieces from artisans, but during the festival the number of shops and their assortment increase several times!

At the same time, masters 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 works. During the holiday, a series of various events takes place: master classes, seminars and exhibitions, where jewelers and weavers share their experience. And also, competitions are held at the festival, where the best masters, the best apprentices and young talents are determined.

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 get acquainted with the ancient city, which itself is considered the pearl of the Silk Road. The next festival will be held in May 2024.