Bukharian Ikat Arts Festival Brings Silk Road Heritage to Life in Queens
ASTORIA, QUEENS | NOVEMBER 2026 | Bukharian Times
Traditional garments, creative expression and community connection honor Bukharian Jewish culture.
The colors and traditions of Central Asia came alive at Ashreynu in Astoria on Sunday, November 1, as the inaugural Bukharian Ikat Arts Festival brought together art, history, food and community. Co-hosted by Ashreynu and Yesodot Foundations, the event invited visitors to experience the beauty of Bukharian Jewish heritage and the stories carried from one generation to the next.
Rebbetzin Pearl of Ashreynu welcomed guests to a day devoted to cultural discovery and connection. Ashreynu organizers Stephanie Luxenberg and Ayelet Pearl helped bring the festival’s many elements together, working across its planning, programming and presentation. Their care and coordination were reflected throughout the event, from the cultural exhibits to the opportunities for guests of different ages and backgrounds to participate.
One of the day’s most compelling features was an exhibition and presentation by Aron Aronov of the Bukharian Jewish Museum. His collection of traditional Bukharian ikat dresses, displayed alongside a private collection of Bukharian jomas, offered a vivid look at the distinctive fabrics, patterns and craftsmanship associated with the region. The garments invited guests to consider how clothing can preserve memories of family, custom and identity long after a community has made a new home.
Creativity was equally central to the experience. Stephanie Luxenberg’s Studio Shoshan led interactive art workshops that invited children and adults to explore ikat-inspired designs and make their own artwork. The workshops gave guests a chance to engage with the textiles in a personal way, connecting the artistry on display with something they could create and take home. Stephanie’s creative approach helped make the festival welcoming and engaging across generations.
The festival also celebrated the flavors of Bukharian Jewish life. Mama Liza shared a taste of the community’s culinary traditions, complemented by her cookbook, Fire in the Kazan. Her contribution served as another reminder that heritage lives not only in museum collections but also in the recipes and rituals families continue to share.
Diana Rachnaev and her brother, Daniel Rachnaev, co-founders and co-CEOs of Yesodot Foundations, participated in the day’s cultural exchange. Diana spoke about Bukharian Jewish identity, the significance of traditional dress and the importance of passing cultural knowledge to younger generations. Their involvement reflected Yesodot’s broader work of strengthening connections among families and communities.
A vital part of making this festival possible was UJA-Federation of New York’s Mesora Bridges grant. By supporting opportunities for Bukharian and other Jewish communities in Queens to encounter one another’s traditions, the initiative helped turn an idea into an event built around shared learning, creativity and lasting relationships. The festival demonstrated what such support can make possible: an accessible, joyful space where cultural heritage becomes a bridge between neighbors. Additional funding was provided by the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
From Aronov’s treasured garments to Studio Shoshan’s art workshops and Mama Liza’s family recipes, every part of the festival offered another way to connect with the past. Just as importantly, the collaboration behind the event showed the value of making room for different voices, talents and traditions. For participants, the day was both a celebration of Bukharian Jewish heritage and an invitation to keep its stories alive together.
