The best treasure in the
skillful hands is a craft, what
can be compared with it?
Firdousi

If you choose the vacation in Uzbekistan, apart from the slender minarets, high towers and blue domes, your heart will be conquered forever by surprisingly distinctive applied arts of this land! Among its numerous kinds special place is occupied by an art pottery. At all times the best works of the Uzbek art pottery with a rare expressiveness and laconism revealed the true features of people"s creative genius! Rishtan and Gijduvan ceramics, glassware from Bukhara, as well as the numerous clay figurines, toys and the dishes - all these objects are decorated with distinctive ornaments and many unique patterns, which in best way represent warmth of the soul of Uzbek people, their nature and unique culture! Discovering local features, You discover the whole world - a unique world of East and hospitable Asia! Welcome!

Program of the tour:

Day 1. Arrival in Tashkent. Excursion.
Day 2. Tashkent - Samarkand.
Day 3. Samarkand - Gijduvan - Bukhara.
Day 4. Bukhara. Excursion.
Day 5. Bukhara - Khiva.
Day 6. Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent (flight).
Day 7. Tashkent - Ferghana.
Day 8. Fergana - Tashkent.
Day 9. Tashkent. Departure.

detailed tour description >>

The cost tour includes:

• Accommodation in the hotels in twin/double share with breakfast;
• Visitation of the main ceramic workshops;
• Services of the driver with comfortable transport during the tour, including airport-hotel-airport transfers;
• The cost of Urgench - Tashkent domestic air flight;
• Sightseeing tour in each city;
• Entry fees for the main monuments of each city.

The cost tour does not include:

• International Air Fare;
• Early check-in and late check out of hotel;
• The cost of the meals, excepting breakfasts at hotels;
  Services of accompany guide for the tour;
• Insurance.

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Detailed tour description in Uzbekistan:

Day 1. Arrival in Tashkent. Excursion.
Welcome to Tashkent! Dear guests, we shall meet you with pleasure in the airport and we promise, that Your tour will be unforgettable!
First of all, as the most welcome guests, you will be immediately transferred to one of the coziest hotels in Tashkent. Having had a rest, we shall start acquaintance with the history and culture of Uzbekistan via excellent products of Tashkent masters of ceramics.
Fame as a center of ceramics, Tashkent gained with establishment of a large ceramic factory not long ago. Together with the hereditary masters like K. Turapov, Yu. Ziyamuhamedov famous artists like M. Rakhimov, R. Akbalyan, A. Aminov, A. Rakhmatullaev are working on the factory, owning the achievements of modern professional art. The activity of Tashkent ceramists clearly shows how the distinctions between folk and professional art are disappearing. Tashkent mass ceramics absorbed the old traditions of Uzbek pottery (Gijduvan), Kazakh and Kyrgyz art, as well as Russian porcelain. But now with a good reason, you can talk about the unique style inherent only in her. Characteristic features of this style are yellowish green colors, very small separate graphical interlacing pattern, which consists of lines and a double coating of vessels with engobe, scratched and colored. This technique, also called «chizma», gives a clear graphic ornament, as paint does not run beyond scratched lines. The green and yellow spots are drawn under glaze on white engobed background. This technique is interestingly applied, for example, in the set for persimmon, which black engraved pattern creates a dramatic contrast with a light-yellow surface.
Trip to Museum of Applied Arts. Pottery hall visit.
Pottery is one of the most ancient crafts. It is widely spread on the territory of Uzbekistan. In many towns and villages of Uzbekistan a specific ceramics school has been developing for centuries. Samples of the works of masters from almost all the pottery centers of the Republic are collected in the museum"s storerooms. The greatest number of pottery items are the works of Tashkent and Rishtan masters. Here you can see lyagan (nationally styled plate), kosa (soup plate), vases, sets, jags, terracotta and many other types of kitchen utensils (cuza, urdak oftoba, kallik, charkha kimgan etc.) , created by Tashkent masters like T. Mirvaliev, K. Turapov, Ch. Sadykov, A. Raufov, A. Alimov and others. Here are widely represented works of Usto Abdullo (1797 - 1872), Ibrahimdzhan Kamilov, B. Nishanov, U. Shermatov, Sh. Yusupov, A.I. Sattarov, A. Yuldashev, Z. Boboev. Unique products made in 50-60 years in Tashkent and Rishtan ceramic factories are kept in the museum"s storerooms.
Visit to the school of ceramics of Rakhimov family.
In April 20, 2009 in Tashkent first ceramics school of Usta-Shogird (what means Master- Apprentice) was opened in Tashkent with the support of Fund Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan. New school Usto-Shogird took its deserved place in restoration, development and propaganda of traditional ceramics in Uzbekistan and realized dreams of Rakhimov"s dynasty.
Rahimov"s dynasty is one of the most famous ceramic masters dynasty in Tashkent and has over six generations of masters. Currently, Akbar and Alisher Rakhimov are continuing traditions of the dynasty. Akbar Rakhimov’s father, Muhiddin Rakhimov (1903-1985) made a significant contribution to the history of national ceramics in Uzbekistan. He created not only masterpieces of applied arts, which are now stored in leading museums of the world (including Hermitage, Museum of East and others), but he was also researcher and restorer of traditional design in the region.
Muhiddin Rakhimov studied and classified peculiarities and technologies of creation of ceramic products of various historic periods, which were reflected in his books "Art ceramics of Uzbekistan" and "Architecture ceramics of Uzbekistan". Studying ceramics of various historic periods in cooperation with archeologists, the master restored ancient designs and afterwards created his own works based on them. Perhaps, that"s why the works of Muhiddin Rakhimov were named "wonders of ceramic".
Sightseeing trip.
After visiting monuments and memorials you will definitely visit big Chor-su bazaar. There you will have an opportunity to look and buy ceramic souvenirs - true award of this day!
Night at hotel.

Day 2. Tashkent - Samarkand (330 km, 5-6 h).
Good morning! Today, we shall take a trip to Samarkand - the pearl of Uzbekistan.
However this city, world-known as a city of beautiful ancient monuments and madrassahs, is also famous for the excellent talent of pottery! The history of Samarkand ceramic production has more than one thousand years. As a result of archeological excavations a variety of ceramic vessels were found in Afrosiab - the remarkable evidences of very skillfully masters of the past. Modern Samarkand ceramists led by Umar Dzhurakulov master disappeared forms and patterns and transform them according to the demands of modern life.
City tour.
Samarkand tour will consist of following route leg: Firstly, we will go to the most spectacular square of the Central Asia - Registan square (XVII) made with wonderful architectural ensemble and located in the “heart” of Samarkand. It is intersection of 6 roads, leading from the city gates. The Square surrounded by majestic buildings from 3 sides: Ulugbek madrassah (1417-1420), Sher Dor madrassah (1619-1636), Tillya-Kory madrassah (1647-1660). In 1417 Ulugbek - grandson of the famous Amir Temur start to build madrassah here, this was named of his name. Then we shall certainly visit Gur Emir mausoleum – tomb of Temurid’s dynasty. The remains of great commander Amir Temur are still there. The next objects of our attention are Rukhabad necropolis (XV), Bibi-Khanum mosque (XV), which was built to the special order of Amir Timur by 200 best architects from the whole Amir Temur’s empire, 500 workers and 95 Indian elephants; Ulugbek’ s observatory (XV) , where you will see unique astronomic facility –sextant; Shokhi-Zinda architectural complex (XII-XV), where the remains of Amir Temur’ s retainers are; Khazrat-Khyzra Mosque (XIX) and etc. Arrived in Samarkand at night we will be placed in cozy hotel rooms.
Visiting Samarkand School of Ceramics.

Day 3. Samarkand - Gijduvan (260 km, 4 h) - Bukhara (40 km, 0.5 hours).
Another fine morning in Samarkand! Refresh yourself before the trip to Bukhara. And en route, we shall visit Gijduvan - one of the most famous “ceramic” cities in Central Asia! This city is located just four kilometers far from Bukhara, an ancient pottery center, where the masters transmit their craft from generation to generation.
Characteristic feature of Gijduvan ceramics – is solid dark or brown-green glaze in combination with simple engraved ornament. This pattern is very simple, but extremely interesting. Free runs of glaze do not retain clearness of outlines, and a thick layer of glaze identifies the brightness and juiciness of under glaze colors. In the technique of designing the pattern Gijduvan masters never use stamps, preferring to decorate their products with paintings combined with engraving. More often, they put two or three layers of paint of one color and emphasize the pattern with white dots.
Now already 60-th generation of potters of Nasrullaev family works here.
Visit pottery studio. Nasrullaev family is very famous in Uzbekistan. They have a large complex where you can not just buy tableware, but also look at the process of manufacture, and even take some lessons of working on a potter"s wheel, if you have some free days.
Visit pottery studio of Hamra Rahimova. Not far from Gijduvan in small village of Uba already 45 years Khamro Rakhimova together with her students creates from clay wonderful toys called “ushpulyak” and paint them with specials paints done on yolk. On one hand, toys are very traditional. They always depict animals and birds – lion, sheep, horse, hoopoe, chicken, sparrow. On the other hand, they are incredibly diverse: one has flower or bird on it another has a rider.
Ushpulyak is a very loud penny whistle. Interesting, unsophisticated, various figures full of naive people"s rather rough humor and unbridled imagination, are very beloved. Designed initially for children games, ushpulyak gradually became a truly national souvenir. One who visits Uzbekistan among other Uzbek souvenirs will definitely take ushpulyak as well.
Arrival in Bukhara. Hotel accommodation. Rest.

Day 4. Bukhara.
Today you finally have an opportunity to visit sacred and amazing Bukhara city!
Bukhara is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world - it is more than 2500 years old. This Islamic city thoroughly impregnated with thousands of years of history, which is beautifully drawn on the walls of its buildings. After breakfast at hotel we are going to make a tour of the Bukhara city - one of the most sacred cities in Uzbekistan! First of all we shall visit the Samanid’s mausoleum (IX-Xc) - the pearl of Central Asian architecture, the family tomb of the rulers from the local dynasty. This wonderful monument is a symbol of new style architecture, regenerated after Arabic conquest. The elements of the building harmonically combined pre-Islamic culture and culture of Arabic Orient. Then we will go to Chashma Ayub Mazar (XIV-XIX c). The monuments come one after another and next we will see Poi Kalyan (XII-XVI cc) complex, which include famous Kalyan minaret (with height of 49 meters), built in 1127 and remained the same after many wars and invasions by a miracle! At one time it was look-out station and then the place of public execution. Many legends are jointed with this majestic construction! You will find out many of them from our guide. Than we will see Ulugbek’s madrassah. Ulugbek was the grandson of a famous military leader Tamerlane and also famous mathematician and astronomer. The madrassah was built in 1417 by his order. Than we will see Lyabi Hauze (XVI-XVII c) complex, included Kukeldash (1568 year) and Nodir Divan Begi (1622 year) madrassahs. Very harmonically and colorfully situated here impressive citadel-Old Ark fortress (VI-VII c), from where the ancient Bukhara started.
However, Bukhara is not only a repository of culture and history of Uzbekistan, Bukhara is a ceramic paradise. In stores or small shops, on the steps of houses, along the walls of ancient madrasahs – everywhere there is an ocean of ceramic tableware.
We invite you to come into the craft shop. Night at hotel.

Day 5. Bukhara - Khiva (440 km, 5-6h.).
Good morning, our dear guests! Well, have you already made yourself familiar with Bukhara? Toured the studios and craft shops? Then let’s continue our very interesting trip.
We are going to Khiva. As you probably know, scientists and archaeologists conventionally divided ceramics of Central Asia into two groups: «First group» - with a predominance of green or golden-brown colors - is found in the vast area around Bukhara and Samarkand. We have already been able to see some of it! You see, now, it"s time to get acquainted with the «second group»: a school of blue-green ceramic of Khorezm. In the pattern decorating products of this school, you can see the line of architectural ornament of Khiva, where the center of ancient ceramics is, known since the times of opening of the Great Silk Road through Khiva. Arrived in Khiva, let’s first get acquainted with the city!
Khiva is a truly Oriental city, whose air steel keeps the spirit of the Middle Ages! There are no high modern buildings, wide highways and it seems that time is stopped here just to keep all that ancient beauty which you can see on this amazing earth! You will see many historical monuments and anicent clay houses! What a surprise - all places of interest are located so compactly, not on the big territory, surrounded by the city walls! This is the most ancient part of Khiva - Ichan-Cala (XVIIIC - internal town). Exactly here are situated the basic monuments of our attention: Kyunya -Ark fortress (XVII C), Pakhlavan Makhmud Complex (XIV-XIX CC), which has the biggest dome in Khiva, obtected with blue glazed tile with glitter overgilded top. This masoleum was built in honor of the Pakhlavan Makhmud- the famous Khiva’s poet and person well-known by his herculean strength! The Muslim clergy included him to the list of Saints after his death!
Islam Khodja madrassah and minaret (1908) - amazing building, skilfully decorated with colorful mosaic. This minaret is called as the main symbol of Khiva and his diminished shape go back to the early architectural models (XIV CC). The brick masonry at the minaret is interlaced with stripes of the glazed pattern. The minaret has a height of 56,6 metres and base diameter of 9,5 metres. The Palace of Tash Khauli Alakuli-Khan (XVIII – XIX CC). Djuma mosque (X-XVIII CC). Mukhammadaminkhan minaret and madrassah (1831-1855). Facade of the minaret is decorated with ornament of the glazed brick. At this moment here located a hotel, tourist agency, exchange office, office on air tickets selling, café. Also you can go to Akish-Bobo fortress, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the whole city!
Also we recommend you to visit bazaar, where you can look at amazing Khiva carpets, syuzane (national embroidered materials), national oriental robes and skullcaps embroidered with golden threads! Besides this you"ll see a lot of ceramic shops and workshops, where you will be able to feel and see the distinctive features of Khorezm ceramics school.
Night at hotel.

Day 6. Khiva - Urgench (30 km, 0,5 h.) - Tashkent (flight).
Today we return to Tashkent. But don’t be upset! The most interesting is just to begin! At arrival we get hotel accommodation.

Day 7. Tashkent - Ferghana (310 km, 6 hours).
Today we are again to take another great trip!
We are going to the Fergana Valley! For its richness and charm it is also called the Golden Valley. And it is the truth because Fergana Valley has always played a significant role in the history and culture of Central Asia! Decorative and applied arts of Fergana valley dates back to ancient times. Hardworking people of the valley, have been cultivating the variety of sorts of cotton, wool and silk. Let"s get acquainted with this beautiful city! Have you ever heard about Rishtan ceramics? So, in the south of the Fergana Valley there is a small town Rishtan - one of the oldest centers of creation a unique pottery in Central Asia.
For 1100 years, masters broadcast the secrets of manufacture of ceramic products from generation to generation. Big dishes "lyagan", deep bowls "shokosa”, water jugs, milk vessels, decorated with ornaments from the “ishkor” glaze. Rishtan Ceramics – blue like pieces of the sky, fallen to the ground! It made Rishtan masters known around the world. In researches the primary role in the art of pottery of XIX - beg. of XX centuries were unanimously given to Rishtan as a cradle of ceramics of Fergana valley, which was under the influence of all the ceramic centers of the region. A visit to the ceramic workshop.
Night at hotel.

Day 8. Fergana - Tashkent (310 km, 6 hours).
Today we are going back to Tashkent. But before let’s visit to one of the most ancient city of Fergana valley – Margilan city. In ХI century Margilan was one of the biggest cities of Fergana oasis, famous for its silk fabrics, which were brought by Great Silk Road to Egypt and Greece, Baghdad, Khorasan and Kashgar. Margilan can be also named as a silk capital of Uzbekistan. Here famous “khan-atlas”, “adras”, “shoyi”, “bekasab” and “kalagai” are weaved and colored handmade by antique technology. Nowadays in Margilan function 3 souvenir factories: “Yodgorlik”, «Fayzuludin» and “Atlas - firm”. “Yodgorlik” factory (from Uzbek “a gift”) – single in Central Asia factory where original hand method is saved. Despite acting factories, lots of masters work at home.
Visit to the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. Transfer to Tashkent. Hotel accommodation.

Day 9. Tashkent. Departure.
We are driving to airport. Departure from Tashkent. Our trip is at the end. We tried not to miss anything important! You had an opportunity to see applied arts of Uzbekistan and learn distinctive features of Uzbek ceramics schools. Certainly, having more time we could find much more amazing things, though the most important things you have seen! But our hospitable Uzbekistan earth will be looking forward to your repeated visit! Welcome!

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Useful links:

• Uzbekistan.
• General information about Uzbekistan.
• Remarkable sights of Uzbekistan.
• Tashkent.
• Samarkand.
• Bukhara.
• Khiva.
• Fergana valley.