Selvedge – Issue 123

Issue 123: Silk Road

March/ April 2025

When we think of the Silk Roads, we often picture camel caravans crossing desert dunes and merchants trading silks at bazaars. However, the reality of the Silk Roads is much more complex and expansive. These networks interconnected communities across Asia, Africa, and Europe, from Japan to Britain, Scandinavia to Madagascar. In this issue, we focus on Uzbekistan as a hub to explore Central Asia, from Almaty in Kazakhstan to Istanbul in Türkiye. We showcase the significance of textiles in this region’s history and future, highlighting the country’s rich and intricate textile heritage and the new generation of artists and designers who are rediscovering and reinterpreting traditional techniques for an international market. With the support of a forward-thinking government, these emerging makers are poised to make a significant impact in the coming years. Uzbekistan’s commitment to rebranding Islam and promoting education, tolerance, and generosity is evident in the regular craft and culture festivals that welcome visitors from around the world.