Prof. Dr. Elmira Gyul is a doctor in art history, professor, and leading researcher at the institute of art studies at the Academy of Science of the Republic of Uzbekistan. She is the author of seven monographs and over 200 articles in art history and contemporary art in Central Asia. A special place in Elmira Gyul research is occupied by the history of textiles. She has published two monographs on this subject; Carpet of Uzbekistan: History, Aesthetics, Semantics (2019); Gardens of Heaven and Gardens of Earth. Embroidery of Uzbekistan: Hidden Meanings of the Sacred Texts (2013). Silk textile and the infamous ikat, in particular, has been the center of Gyul's recent research. The podcast discusses the specificities of the Ikat textile and the difference between ikat and abr. Focusing on the role of ikat throughout the course of history. Dr. Gyul will offer her perspective through various cultural, religious and social dimensions. Sometimes as a symbol of religious spirituality, or an everyday garment, and an indicator of the social attitude.

The podcast is part of the series KNOT KNOW exploring craft's potential for building solidarity and queering beliefs across Central Asia and China. The program and podcast is supported by Bezirkskulturfonds im Bezirk Mitte.
Audio editing by @berlinology.