Tatreez : Reclaiming Palestine through Embroidery, 19 June 2026 - 25 April 2027 | Special Gallery 1 & 2

June 16, 2026

Tatreez : Reclaiming Palestine through Embroidery, 19 June 2026 – 25 April 2027 | Special Gallery 1 & 2

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 18 June 2026 The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) is proud to announce the upcoming special exhibition, “Tatreez : Reclaiming Palestine through Embroidery”, opening on 19 June 2026 – 25 April 2027 in Special Galleries 1 and 2.

Tatreez is the Arabic word for embroidery. After the Nakba (1948), as many Palestinians were displaced and sought refuge in neighbouring countries, embroidery became a crucial means of preserving heritage under challenging circumstances. As a patron and custodian of this collection, IAMM is honoured to present works that reflect continuity and the enduring strength of Palestinian heritage.

This exhibition showcases an extensive collection that celebrates the uniqueness of each thobe (dress), highlighting regional motifs and the shared influences between neighbouring areas. Visitors will discover a variety of embroidery techniques from cross-stitch and couching to other traditional stitches, brought to life on carefully chosen textiles such as linen, cotton, silk, taffeta and velvet. Beyond the thobe, a stunning array of headpieces including ‘araqiyeh, shatweh, wuqayeh and more has been paired with veils, silver necklaces, chains, bracelets and other accessories.

Colours and motifs in Palestinian embroidery often reflected social status, beliefs, taboos and ceremonial traditions shaped by the lives of women. From everyday garments to dresses for special occasions, these designs could communicate aspects of a woman’s identity without words.

The exhibition is divided into two galleries. For Special Gallery 1, traditional motifs and regional styles are reinterpreted with contemporary sensibilities yet remain firmly rooted in identity and belonging. Through these efforts, threads of the past are woven into the present, sustaining cultural continuity across borders.

For Special Gallery 2, regional embroidery styles, motifs and colour palettes varied from one locality to another, reflecting the richness and diversity of Palestinian creative expression. The gallery is divided into ten regions: Galilee, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron, Jaffa, Ramlah-Lydda, Gaza and Naqab. Each region features it’s own unique style of embroidery as well as colours and different types of textile.

“Tatreez : Reclaiming Palestine through Embroidery” will open to the public on Friday, 19 June 2026 until Sunday, 25 April 2027. Discover the depth of Palestinian tangible art and cultural expression reflected through attire that carries stories of heritage and resilience. An extensive illustrated catalogue featuring highlights from the Palestinian embroidery and dress collection will be available at the Museum Shop.