Ektashif Uzbekistan is the outcome of an educational trip organised by the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in collaboration with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). In previous years, artists have visited countries such as India, Turkey, Spain, and Morocco. These trips have given Qatari artists the opportunity to explore rich Islamic heritage and distinctive Islamic architecture. In 2025, the destination was Uzbekistan, where they visited the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, renowned for their remarkable Islamic monuments, vibrant artistic traditions, and cultural heritage.
During this journey, the artists explored some of Uzbekistan's most significant historical and architectural landmarks. In Tashkent, they visited the Museum of Applied Arts and the Hazrati Imam Complex, while engaging directly with local artisans through ceramic and embroidery workshops. In Samarkand, they studied the monumental beauty of Registan, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex, and Ulugh Beg's Observatory, while participating in workshops focused on Islamic geometry and traditional design. In Bukhara, the artists further immersed themselves in local craft traditions through miniature painting, geometry, golden embroidery, and ceramics, alongside visits to the Bukhara Biennale and artisan studios, including the renowned ceramic workshops of Gijduvan.
Throughout the trip, the artists participated in a variety of hands-on workshops, learning traditional techniques in geometry, ornamentation, ceramics, miniature painting, and embroidery. These experiences offered a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan's artistic heritage and the enduring craftsmanship that continues to define its cultural identity.
