Welcome to Bibi Hanum – Experience the Beauty of Handmade Craftsmanship!

BIBI HANUM™ is a socially responsible enterprise that creates garments and accessories using traditional hand-woven silk cotton ikat fiber. Founded by Muhayo Alieva it’s mission is to provide economic opportunities for women while preserving Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and ethnographic heritage.

 

At BIBI HANUM™, we are dedicated to bringing you the finest handmade products crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. Our unique collection features exquisite silk ikat fabrics and dresses that showcase the rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship.

 

Please note that each item in our collection is meticulously handcrafted meaning the fabrics are hand-dyed and loom woven, and each piece is cut and stitched individually. As a result of hand dying and weaving process following minor imperfections may be present:

 

When textiles are woven on a loom, the interplay of threads creates a mesmerizing pattern and texture. However, due to the intricate nature of the weaving process, slight irregularities or variations may occur. These imperfections are not defects, but rather a testament to the authenticity and handmade nature of our products.

 

Some of these minor imperfections may include:

 

  • Slubs or irregular yarn thickness: As different threads are woven together, there may be variations in the thickness of the yarn, resulting in tiny slubs or irregularities in the fabric. These variations add character and uniqueness to the textile, showcasing the craftsmanship involved.
  • Small weft or warp thread irregularities: Occasionally, you may notice small irregularities in the weft or warp threads, such as tiny knots or variations in tension. These are a natural outcome of the weaving process and contribute to the charm of the finished textile.
  • Slight color variations: Hand-dyeing techniques used in our textiles can result in subtle color variations within the fabric. These variations add depth and visual interest to the final product, showcasing the beauty of natural dyes and enhancing its uniqueness.

 

We want our valued customers to be aware of these distinctive qualities and embrace the inherent beauty of handmade craftsmanship. While we strive to provide accurate descriptions and images on our website, it is important to understand that slight variations in color, pattern, and texture are part of the charm of our products.

 

We believe that these unique qualities set our collection apart and make each piece a true work of art. We take great pride in preserving traditional techniques and supporting skilled artisans who pour their passion and expertise into every creation.

 

Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us, and we encourage you to reach out to our friendly customer support team if you have any questions or concerns about our products. We are here to ensure that you have a delightful experience and find joy in owning a piece of handcrafted beauty.

 

Join us in celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of our handmade silk ikat fabrics and dresses. Explore our collection today and discover the magic that lies within each meticulously crafted piece.

 

BIBI HANUM™ – Where Tradition Meets Elegance.

Who is Bibi Hanum?

Bibi Hanum, said to be the favorite wife of Amir Temur (Tamerlane the Central Asian conqueror), was very wise and extremely beautiful. She wanted to please Amir Temur with a gift upon his return from a victorious campaign, and decided to build a mosque in his honor. The architect, however, fell in love with Bibi Hanum, but realized he would never be able to see her again once the construction was complete, and delayed as long as he could. The queen was furious, as Temur was fast approaching, and insisted that the mosque be finished immediately. The architect delivered an ultimatum: the queen’s kiss in exchange for completing the construction. Bibi Hanum had to agree. The kiss was so passionate, however, that it left an indelible mark on the queen’s cheek, but the mosque was ready in a few days as promised. When Amir Temur returned, he was very pleased, but when he noticed the mark on Bibi Hanum’s cheek, he commanded the capture of the architect. Forewarned, the architect hid from the pursuers atop the minaret of the newly constructed mosque and they caught only his pupil, who declared, “my teacher has sprouted wings and flown to Mashhad”. 

 

The Bibi Hanum Mosque was built in 1399-1404 and is located in Samarkand.