Suzani Embroidery: A UNESCO-Recognised Heritage in the Spotlight

ENCATC, CAECA and Maison Indira join forces to offer you an exceptional cultural experience: an evening dedicated to exploring the centuries-old art of Suzani Embroidery, a textile tradition deeply rooted in the ancient city of Panjakent, Tajikistan. Derived from the Persian word “suzan” (needle), Suzani is the name given to the dazzling hand-embroidered textiles of Central Asia. For centuries, women have created these large-scale textiles to celebrate life’s milestones — weddings, births, and family legacies. Each motif carries meaning: radiant sun and moon discs symbolize life and energy; flowering vines and pomegranates evoke fertility and prosperity; protective amulets are stitched into every detail. These textiles are not only artistic masterpieces but also living records of cultural memory, where every stitch is both ornament and story.

On 21 October 2025, the ancient city of Panjakent was officially recognized by the UNESCO-affiliated World Crafts Council as a “World City of Crafts for Suzani Embroidery.” This milestone celebrates the artistry and resilience of Suzani traditions, while ensuring their preservation for future generations. It also shines a global spotlight on Tajikistan’s cultural heritage and the artisans who continue to pass down this extraordinary craft.

This Cultural Happy Hour is therefore a double celebration: of the global recognition of Suzani embroidery, and of the opportunity to encounter these vibrant works in Brussels, where heritage meets creativity in a convivial evening of exchange.

The venue of this gathering, Maison Indira, was founded by historian and textile enthusiast Victoria de Giey. Her Maison is more than a gallery: it is a journey into the past, where Central-Asian fabrics and objects come alive, carrying the soul of their history and inspiring creativity and freedom in a colourful, multifaceted environment.