CRAFTSMANSHIP AS SOFT POWER: USING AI TO PROMOTE CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH TEXTILE ARTS

Through this article I will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) combined with textile craftsmanship and cultural diplomacy creates new soft power tools through AI-enhanced platforms. Textile arts serve as vital cultural emblems because they connect deeply with heritage and represent identity as well as national symbolism. Yet, in a digital era, many artisanal forms face extinction or marginalization. By integrating AI tools such as pattern recognition, generative design, and blockchain-driven ownership systems, heritage crafts can be reimagined for global engagement. Drawing on the case study of Zarif.io—an AI-powered platform supporting the preservation and commercialization of traditional designs—this paper demonstrates how technology can amplify the reach, relevance, and diplomatic potential of textile arts. AI thus emerges not as a threat to authenticity, but rather as a bridge between tradition and innovation connecting cultures, economies, and generations. The article concludes by advocating for ethical frameworks and inclusive co-creation models to ensure equitable participation in digital heritage futures.