BERLIN, December 28. /Dunyo IA/. In the exhibition hall of QGalerie in the German capital, a roundtable featuring Uzbek embroidery masters was held as part of the exhibition of Uzbek suzani textiles titled “Harmonious Worlds”. The event was organized for enthusiasts of decorative and applied arts in Germany, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event took place in an atmosphere of Uzbek culture and national traditions. Around a traditional Uzbek dastarkhan (ceremonial table), German artists and cultural figures, students from Humboldt University of Berlin, and members of the public interested in folk crafts and Eastern applied arts gathered. The informal format facilitated open and meaningful dialogue.

The main objectives of the event were to expand international cultural exchange, promote the rich heritage of Uzbek decorative arts and crafts abroad, and familiarize potential tourists with Uzbekistan’s opportunities in the field of folk arts. Particular attention was given to promoting cultural tourism and fostering sustainable interest in the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

A highlight of the program was an online session with Shakhnoza Sharipova, a renowned Bukhara embroidery master, entrepreneur, and member of the Bukhara regional branch of the Hunarmand Association of Uzbekistan. In her presentation, she spoke in detail about the history of Uzbek embroidery and suzani, the regional schools and styles that developed across the country, as well as the centuries-old artistic traditions and creative potential of the Uzbek people, vividly expressed in these works of art.

The live interaction and active Q&A session reflected participants’ genuine and deep interest in Uzbekistan, its national crafts, and, in particular, embroidery art. Attendees emphasized the importance of passing down folk craft traditions, which span thousands of years, to future generations through the principle of “ustoz – shogird” (master and apprentice), and highlighted the careful revival of ancient craft techniques in a contemporary artistic context. Special attention was given to the work of Shakhnoza Sharipova and her students in restoring lost or forgotten suzani embroidery techniques based on scholarly research.

At the conclusion of the online session, the master, who now trains hundreds of women in embroidery and suzani creation, expressed gratitude to the participants for their interest in Uzbek folk art, noting that the preservation and protection of traditional crafts, which embody ancient human knowledge, is not only a universal mission but also a responsibility to future generations.

Additionally, the event included a practical suzani embroidery workshop organized by Uzbek masters Zaynab Rasulova and Nilufar Sattarova. For demonstration purposes, kurpachis (traditional quilted mats) were laid around a traditional khontakhta (workbench), and guests were introduced to Uzbek customs, hospitality culture, and the traditions of the dastarkhan.

Event attendee Katya Klinke:

- I work with various types of sewing and have long wanted to learn about embroidery art. It is very important that such valuable traditions are preserved and passed down to future generations. I had the opportunity to try stitching patterns alongside Uzbek masters. Similar techniques exist in Europe—for example, chain stitch or circular stitching. Embroidery is part of the culture of many peoples and belongs to our shared human heritage. For me, it is especially meaningful to recognize both the similarities and differences between cultures.