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Aziz is one of our all time favorite textile trader. He has been working in the textile and antique business more than anyone we know. He has the most beautiful shop somewhere hidden in grand bazaar, which we won’t reveal as it is one of our business secrets. We spoke to Aziz about his trade and love for textiles.
Why did you become a textile dealer?
I was actually a carpet dealer. But I would only sell handmade carpets. When communism collapsed in the Soviet Union and the Central Asian republics gained their independence, we started to receive a lot of textiles from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. And because I really loved the colors and patterns of the Suzani textiles, I started to collect and sell textiles.
There have been many valuable items in my shop. I received and sold textiles that were over 100-200 years old. I've even sold textiles that haven’t been acquired by museums!
What is it about Suzani textile that you find so mesmerizing?
I find the combination of vintage and finely embroidered motifs very fascinating. I also admire the vintage Suzanis, which have a special quality to them. And if I had to choose textile from Central Asia, I find the textiles from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan most beautiful.
Are you able to know the origin of a Suzani textile by its patterns?
Yes, definitely. When I look at Suzanis, I am able to trace its origin. The same goes for carpets and kilims. I can tell whether a Suzani is from Bukhara, Tashkent or Samarkand because it’s patterns are unique and true to its region.
How should we use a Suzani textile?
Actually in Central Asia, Suzanis are used in very different ways. Most houses in Central Asia hang it on their walls, but many people also use it as a bed sheet, tablecloth or sofa throw. But originally, Suzanis have always been used as a wall decor.
