Uzbekistan – top 10 souvenirs to buy
Uzbekistan is a land of artisans. From ancient Silk Road cities to remote mountain villages, every region carries its own craft traditions, passed down through generations. Whether it is vivid textiles, finely painted ceramics, or handwoven carpets, souvenirs from Uzbekistan are not just decorative; they are living pieces of culture.
Before we visit the lively bazaars of Bukhara or Samarkand with our travelers, we usually begin at the Applied Arts Museum in Tashkent. Housed in a former residence of a tsarist diplomat, the museum offers a quiet space to understand the origins of Uzbek craftsmanship. Here, visitors see how patterns evolved, how natural dyes were made, and how meaning is woven into each design.
This foundation helps us see more clearly what is often missed: the cultural depth behind modern souvenirs. When we pass a stall in a bazaar or browse a small souvenir shop, and see rows of suzani or carved wooden boxes, we recognize centuries of tradition expressed in contemporary ways. Each piece for sale in Uzbekistan today connects back to something older, something handmade, and something deeply rooted.
1. Ceramics
In Uzbekistan, ceramics are more than souvenirs – they are storytellers. Each bowl or platter carries traces of an entire ecosystem: clay from local riverbeds, mineral pigments from the surrounding mountains, and techniques shaped by Silk Road encounters. Cities like Rishtan have been firing ceramics for over a thousand years, but what makes them unique today is the revival of an ancient glaze known as ishkor, made from mountain plants. This vibrant turquoise-and-cobalt finish is not just beautiful – it is botanically alive, crafted from ash and water with deep ecological roots. What makes Uzbek ceramics so fascinating is their diversity. In Gijduvan, earthy browns and mustard tones dominate, with bold animal symbols that recall Zoroastrian and folk traditions. In Khiva, the patterns are precise and restrained, echoing the geometry of Islamic tilework. These are not mass-produced replicas. Many artisans still shape clay by hand, fire it in traditional kilns, and paint each motif by memory.
2. Wood carvings
Uzbek wood carving is a silent art – there is no color, no glaze, no paint. Instead, the beauty lies in the shadows. Artisans use small chisels to carve complex geometric and floral patterns into walnut, elm, or mulberry wood, creating intricate reliefs that play with light. This tradition can be seen across Uzbekistan, from the carved columns of Khiva’s mosques to the decorative doors of Samarkand’s madrasas. Every pattern follows an ancient grammar rooted in Islamic art, where symmetry and repetition evoke harmony and spiritual balance. Today, carved wooden boxes, stands, and furniture are still made by hand, often in family-run workshops.
3. Ikat fabrics -Uzbek textiles
Among Uzbekistan’s most iconic crafts is ikat. Ikat is created through a labor-intensive process in which threads are dyed before they are woven. The result is a soft blur in the pattern, as if the fabric holds movement within its fibers. This method is centuries old, and nowhere is it more vibrant than in the Ferghana Valley, particularly the city of Margilan. Here, silk and cotton threads are tied, dipped, and woven by hand into bold, abstract designs that once adorned royal robes and are still worn with pride today. In Uzbekistan, when both the warp and weft threads are made entirely of silk, the resulting fabric is called atlas. It is smooth, glossy, and traditionally used for festive garments, especially women’s dresses. When the warp is silk and the weft is cotton, the fabric is known as adras. This blend makes the textile lighter, slightly matte, and more practical for everyday use, while still retaining the vibrant colors and blurred patterns typical of ikat. Among the most popular items to buy are ikat scarves. Lightweight, colorful, and deeply symbolic, they are easy to pack and universally appealing. Whether worn as accessories or displayed as home décor, ikat scarves make perfect gifts.
4. Embroidery
Suzani embroidery is one of Uzbekistan’s most expressive and beloved textile arts. The word suzani comes from the Persian suzan, meaning “needle,” but these works are far more than decorative needlework. Traditionally made by brides and their mothers as part of a dowry, suzanis were used to adorn wedding beds, wall hangings, and ceremonial spaces. Each piece carries deep meaning. For example, pomegranates often stand for fertility, protection, and abundance. These symbols are not just decorative—they reflect the hopes and values woven into everyday life.
Today, suzani embroidery has found new life beyond traditional dowries and household decor. Artisans now adapt these timeless patterns for modern uses – embroidering vibrant motifs onto pillowcases, shopper bags, table runners, and other souvenirs. This evolution keeps the craft alive while making it accessible to travelers and design enthusiasts. Though the formats have changed, the spirit remains the same: each stitch is still a thread connecting the present to the past, and every piece carries the quiet elegance of Uzbek heritage into everyday life.
5. Samarkand paper
Samarkand paper is one of the oldest and most treasured crafts of Uzbekistan. First produced in the 8th century, after papermaking techniques were introduced from China, it quickly became the standard medium for scholars, poets, and scientists across the Islamic world. Made from the bark of the mulberry tree, Samarkand paper is remarkably durable – some manuscripts written on it over a thousand years ago are still intact today. The process is entirely manual: bark is soaked, pulped, pressed, and dried, often with smooth stones to give it a fine finish. At workshops in Samarkand today, visitors can still see this traditional method in use. Buying a postcard, bookmark or scroll of this paper is not just acquiring stationery – it is holding a piece of intellectual history that once carried the knowledge of empires.
6. Miniature paintings on Samarkand paper
Miniature painting in Uzbekistan draws from a centuries-old artistic tradition that once flourished in the courts of Samarkand and Bukhara. These delicate works were used to illustrate manuscripts of poetry, science, and history. Each painting is made with fine natural pigments and incredibly detailed brushwork, often on silk paper. They depict scenes of daily life, epic tales, or historical figures -scholars in libraries, kings in gardens, musicians at court. Today, artists in Bukhara and Samarkand continue this tradition, adapting it for modern tastes while preserving its elegance and symbolism.
7. Puppets
Uzbek puppets, often made from papier-mâché, are a colorful and charming expression of the country’s storytelling tradition. Puppet masters bring to life characters from village life, legends, and everyday situations—sometimes with sharp wit and satire. Each puppet is made by hand: the head and hands are sculpted from papier-mâché, then painted and dressed in miniature versions of traditional Uzbek garments, complete with ikat robes and embroidered hats.
8. Metal art – engravings
Metal engraving in Uzbekistan is a refined art that blends beauty with function. For centuries, Uzbek artisans have worked with copper, brass, and silver to create richly decorated trays, teapots, knives, mirrors, and jewelry boxes. Using small chisels, they carve delicate floral and geometric patterns inspired by nature and Islamic art. Bukhara and Khiva are especially known for this craft, where entire families have passed down engraving skills for generations. Some pieces are adorned with niello or inlay, adding contrast and texture. Today, metal engravings are often crafted into decorative plates, coasters, and wall hangings – popular souvenirs that blend tradition with a modern style.
Jewelry: Tradition in Every Detail
Uzbek jewelry is rich in symbolism, technique, and regional character. Historically worn to protect, to attract blessings, or to signify social status, it remains one of the most expressive forms of traditional craftsmanship. Silversmiths in cities like Bukhara and Tashkent create intricate earrings, bracelets, rings, and pendants, often using filigree, stamping, and inlay techniques passed down through generations. Many pieces feature turquoise, coral, or carnelian – stones believed to bring good fortune. Designs vary by region: heavy, ornate pieces in the south, and more delicate filigree work in the Ferghana Valley. Today, travelers can find both traditional and contemporary interpretations of Uzbek jewelry in local workshops and markets, making it a meaningful and wearable souvenir.
9. National Hats: Identity in Every Stitch
Uzbekistan’s traditional hats are symbols of regional identity, craftsmanship, and pride. The most iconic is the doppi, a square or slightly rounded skullcap embroidered with intricate patterns. Each region has its own style: in Tashkent, the black doppi with white embroidery often features four pepper-like motifs symbolizing protection; in Bukhara, floral and paisley designs are more common; while in Ferghana, brightly colored patterns reflect the area’s vibrant textile traditions. These hats are typically worn by men, but women’s versions also exist, often decorated with beads and sequins. Today, the doppi is still worn for celebrations and cultural events, and smaller, modern versions make excellent, easy-to-pack souvenirs—bringing home not just a fashion item, but a piece of cultural identity.
10. Carpets
Uzbek carpets are among the most treasured crafts of Central Asia, woven by hand using techniques that date back centuries. Traditionally made from wool, silk, or a blend of both, each carpet tells a story through its colors, motifs, and weaving style. These carpets are produced on handlooms, often in family workshops where every knot is tied by hand. Today, Uzbek carpets range from large floor pieces to smaller kilims and tapestry-style wall hangings, all crafted with the same care.
What is your favorite souvenir that you like to buy on your trips? What would you like to buy in Uzbekistan or Central Asia? Tag us on Instagram to show what you bought in Uzbekistan if you already have been there or planning to go.