Hey everyone! I'm heading to Uzbekistan in March and I'm super excited to snag a suzanni while I'm there. I’ll be exploring Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Anyone have tips on the best places to find these beautiful textiles? Maybe a shop or two you’d recommend? Thanks a ton!
Hey Yvette! If you're looking for the best suzannis, Bukhara is definitely the place to be! There are loads of shops all clustered together, so it’s easy to hop from one to another. I was there just last month and noticed some new spots since my last visit five years ago. Just a heads up, some shops have pretty steep prices, so it’s worth browsing around before making a decision.
Two times now, I’ve had great luck at Art Suzani, which is located in the Kukaldosh Madrassa. it is easy to find: if you find yourself at the Lyabi Hauz pool with the cool statue of Nasreddin and his donkey behind you, just look across the road to your left. That’s where the madrassa is! The owners, Zarina and her mom, are super friendly and really know their stuff—Zarina’s mom is a needlework teacher, so you’re in good hands. Their prices are reasonable, and you won’t feel like you’re getting ripped off. Happy hunting!