The tradition

Uzbek textile culture grew out of the oasis cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. Alongside knotted carpets it is famous for the suzani — large embroidered floral panels — and the shaggy julkhyrs 'bear-skin' rugs. The palette leans warmer and more decorative than Turkmen work: pomegranate, indigo and saffron blossoms scattered across the field rather than strict tribal grids.