Pottery in Uzbekistan

Let me tell you about pottery in Uzbekistan that you can see during your tour. For many centuries pottery was the most highly developed type of crafts in Uzbekistan. Uzbek ceramics were glorified far beyond Central Asia. The traditional centers of ceramic production that have survived to this day are Rishtan, Gijduvan, Khiva, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Khorezm, and Tashkent. However, each of them has local features, manifested in the uniqueness of forms, ornamental decor, and color.

One time I happened to meet a great master in one of the souvenir shops near the famous Mausoleum of Daniyar Hoja in Samrkand. According to legends, it is the place where the ashes of Daniyar, biblical prophet were buried by the great conqueror Tamerlan. In this peaceful plaсe, you can see a row of souvenir shops. Gazing at ceramics in one of them, I caught the master at work. The magic rotation of the potter’s wheel in the hands of a skilled craftsman was fascinating. Even though I saw it on TV before and know how it works, I really became impatient to try it. He kindly explained how it worked and helped to create a vessel that was not very beautiful, but looked like a jug at least. This occupation has a very good therapeutic effect indeed. But more touching experience was the unexpected meeting and pleasant conversation with this master. Find time during your tour in Uzbekistan to visit this place.

If you have time to explore Samarkand some sites on your own, I recommend learning about pottery in any place you have a chance and ask for master class. That is because pottery is a beautiful reflection of history and culture.