The main purpose of this tour is meeting the tourist with carpet weaving - the ancient art of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran. Tourists visit workshops, where they see the magic transformation of the colored fibers to the amazing artwork. Also they visit carpet museum in Ashgabat where one of the best Persian carpets collection is exposed. Exactly here is also exposed the biggest carpet in the world! We invite you to open for yourself a lot of ancient mysteries and secrets, answers on it you will “read” among different ornaments of the famous ancient Asian carpets.
Welcome!

Thematic excursion carpet tour. Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan - Iran - 15 days.

Program of the tour:

Day 1.	Arrival to Tashkent. Tashkent - Samarkand.
Day 2.	Samarkand - Urgut - Samarkand.
Day 3.	Samarkand.
Day 4.	Samarkand - Bukhara.
Day 5.	Bukhara.
Day 6.	Bukhara - Khiva.
Day 7.	Khiva.
Day 8.	Khiva - Kunya-Urgench - Dashouguz - Ashgabad.
Day 9.	Ashgabad.
Day 10.	Ashgabad.
Day 11.	Ashgabat - Mary.
Day 12.	Mary - Merv.
Day 13.	Mary - “Seraks” Control Point Border - Mashhad.
Day 14.	Mashhad - Fahre Douvud - Mashhad - Teheran.
Day 15.	Tehran. Departure.

detailed program of the tour »»

Useful information for the tour:
Total Tour Duration - 15 days /14 nights.
Optimal time for visiting: May - October.
Temperature during the tour: from +20° till +35° С.

Tour is organized at territories of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran by road transport and includes air flight. Time of Dashoguz - Ashgabat flight is 1 hr. Maximal duration of the transfers is 440 km, 6-7 hrs.
It is necessary to get single-entry visa to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran for this trip.

Necessary documents.
For this tour it is necessary to get single visas for the following states:

•	Uzbekistan - single-entry.
•	Iran - single-entry.
•	Turkmenistan - single-entry.

The list of necessary documents may differ considerably and depends on the country of your residence (for example the citizens of Russia, Ukrain, Belorassia, Armenia, Gorgea , Moldova, Kirgistan and Kazakhstan can cross the border of Uzbekistan (with staying for 60 days) without visa since with the countries of CIS except Tadjikistan and Turkmenistan was signed bilateral Agreement on visa regime regulations.

General recommendations:
- If possible, all the necessary documents for entering/departure of the countries en route should be adjusted before departure;
- Your passport should be valid as minimum for three months after the end of the tour.

Transportation.
En route you will travel using the following means of transportation:

Aircraft - the tour includes two inside country air flights: Tashaus - Ashkhabad, Meshed - Tehran Air tickets price is included in the total price of the tour.

Car/microbus/bus (depending on the size of the groups) will be used for transportation to other places of the tour. The prices of vehicle transportation are also included in the total price of the tour.

Accommodation en route.
The following type of accommodation is supposed for this tour:

Hotels - for our travelers we select hotels with the most comfortable location and with good reputation. In what follows you will find the list of recommended hotels, but depending on season conditions and number of people in the group the list can be altered.

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Detailed tour description:

Day 1. Arrival to Tashkent. Transfer Tashkent - Samarkand (330km. 5 hours).
You are welcome to Uzbekistan! As you understand you have come to Uzbekistan not for nothing because it is difficult to underestimate the art of carpet weaving in this republic. It is difficult to find a house without a palas (carpet without pile) or ordinary carpet. The art of carpet making is famous in Uzbekistan since ancient times and diversity of carpets is so great that it is difficult to find a region were the same popularity enjoyed koshma, and carpet with pile, and palas. The carpet made objects always were important decoration in dwelling substituting for furniture. The carpets were laid on the floor, were hang on the walls, and they were valued for their convenience, mobility, compactness, and art advantage.

At present time the production of carpets in Uzbekistan develops in three directions: hand made carpets, factory production and private enterprises. Carpet making artisans produce carpets of high quality regardless of the place and method of production. They use the ancient classical technique of Uzbek carpets production is used as samples in modern time. And the main task of production nowadays becomes rehabilitation of ancient patterns, creation of new samples of good quality carpets. And first of all-it is a reconstruction of technology of rehabilitation of natural fabrics.

The tourist company Central Asia Travel invites you to visit the museum of applied arts, where you can see carpets exposition and get to know a lot of new and interesting things regarding history of carpets and carpet made objects. The worthy place of this museum is occupied by samples of carpets and palases (carpets without pile), samples “baskura”, “esikosa” armchair-covers, bags and small palases, weaved in a carpet shop in Nukas, carpets purchased in Galliaaral district, long piled carpets “djulhirs”, made in Nurata, Djizak, Zamin, Kamashi, multicolored palases, made at the factory “Hudjum”, palases “arabi”, weaved at the carpet factory “Haidirsha”, carpets made on the basis of Kirgis carpet cartoons at the factory of art production “Mehnat guli” in Andujan. There are a few Turkmenian carpets made in the second half of the 19th century and a few samples of Dagestan carpets.

Well, we have learned a bit with history, and now let’s have a look of the market. You will visit famous bazaar (market) “Chor su” where you will have opportunity not only to see carpet made produce, but it is also possible to buy hand and factory made carpets at rather moderate prices.

At the beginning we will visit Madrasah Kukeldash 16^th c. which is situated not far from the Eastern bazaar(market) Chor-Su where even now live and study students. The special people muedsins call the Moslems for (namaz) praying from the top of the towers that mark the corners of portal. Madrasah Kukeldash was built in the fifties - sixties of the 16^th c .Kukeldash - means foster brother. You will also see other interesting monuments: Madrasah Barak-Khan the magnificent monument of the 16^th century, situated in the very heart of Old City.it is in the square Hast Imam surrounded by old adobe houses. Madrasah Barakhan (16^th century) was built in few steps: at the beginning in 1531 was built mausoleum Suinidj Khan - father of Barak Khan. So this is a mixture of different cult structures - madrasah, mosque, khanaka and mausoleum. Djami Mosque (Friday mosque) was built in 1998 but it stands on the basement of the 15^th Century Friday mosque. Abdul Kasim sheikh Madrasah was built in the time life of Abdul Kasim sheikh in the 19^th century. Sheikh helped to settle contradiction between Tashkent population and tsarist administration. Iunus Khan Mausoleum built in the 15th century in honor of one of Tashkent rulers, Mausoleum Kafal-al-Shashi (16^th century). And after lunch we will make a journey to Samarkand with a lot of new and interesting adventures.

Night in Samarkand hotel.

Day 2. Samarkand - Urgut (40 km, 0, 5 - 1 hour drive) - Samarkand.
Good morning our dear guests!
Finish you breakfast and we will set for famous town Urgut, situated within 40 km. from Samarkand, at the foothills of Zarafshan mountains. This town is of great interest for tourists cause since ancient times it was considered to be an important center of traditional crafts. The main point of interest in Urgut is the garden Chor-Chinor which consists of half a hundred ancient chinars (plain tree). Many of them have huge hollows and one of them even housed choy-khona (tea house). Besides there is a biggest oriental Samarkand market. Here they sell old and modern products of traditional crafts. The main bazaar days are: Saturday and Sunday. In these days it is possible to by in the market carpets, produce of hand made embroidery, usually used as wall decoration (suzane), leather footwear, jewelry, and art produce from metal, ceramic tableware, wood sunducs (boxes) and many other things. Right in the bazaars there are many places where they cook the main dishes of local cuisine- plov (kind of rice and meat porridge) and manti (steam dumplings). Next to the bazaar there are smithies, plate work shops, shops of national clothing. This is the only place here, where in the real ancient Central Asian bazaar bazaar, you will find the most beautifully embroidered with amazing patterns suzane and a lot of carpet made produce, and also carpetbags, palases and many... many of other things.

Night in Samarkand hotel.

Day 3. Samarkand.
Once upon a time people decided to build a town and during the time of construction a winged snow leopard descended from the mountains to see their progress. The beast liked the new town and leopard came back to his place purring with pleasure. People were pleased also, and they proceeded with the city construction and had chosen snow leopard as symbol of the town. Today it stands in beauty on the emblem of Samarkand. Probably there is no country in the world were people don’t know about Samarkand, this pearl of East, the city which today is almost three thousand years old. Very often guests in Uzbekistan confess that since their childhood they dreamed to visit Samarkand. And we have beautiful opportunity to show this city to you. Smarkand is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia. The exact date of its foundation and the origin of its name have not yet been established. Asian scholars have advanced a number of dubious theories to the effect that “Samar” was the name of the town founder or conqueror. No trace of such figure has been found so far in history, however. The second part of the name is taken as deriving from Iranian “kent” meaning town or settlement. Some European scholars have suggested that the name is derived from an ancient root close to the Sanskrit “samarya” meaning “meeting” or “assembly”. Greek and Roman sources refer to the town as Marakanda which is probably the Hellenic form of the Old Sogdian name “Smarakans”. The eleventh-century scholars Al-Biruni and Mahmud al-Kashgari put forward the theory that the name is derived from the Turkic “semizkent” or “fat” (i.e., rich) settlement. Already by 11^th century the exact origin of the name had been forgotten.

The first mention of Samarkand under the name of Marakanda dates back to the year 329 B.C. and is to be found in an account of Alexander the Great’s campaigns. This fact added to the finds of archeological investigations has led many scholars to the conclusion that Samarkand has existed as a town for not less than 2500 years. At that time, according to the first century Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, Samarkand was already a large urban settlement possessing a citadel and a special outer wall almost 11 kilometers in perimeter.

First of all you will visit in Samarkand the most picturesque square of Central Asia - Registan (15-17^th century), it is situated in the very center of Samarkand. The word “registan” means “sandy Place”). How Registan appeared? During many centuries this place was a cross of six roads leading from city gates, and bazaar was situated here. Thus, gradually the commercial square because of its comfortable location became the center of the city, and monumental structures gave to it that majestic and unique view, which exists nowadays.

The square is surrounded from three sides by imposing buildings: Madrasah Ulugbek (1417-1420), Madrasah Sherdor (1619-1636), Madrasah Tillia-Kari (1647-1660). Further on you will visit mausoleum Gur-Emir - the burial vault of Timurids, where till the present moment lie remains of great military leader.

The Mausoleum Ruhabad is near, and according to the legend: hair of prophet Muhammed is kept here. Further on you will make for Bibi Khanum Mosque (15th century), which according to the diary of Spanish ambassador to Central Asia de Klavikho, was built by special order of Tamerlan by the most prominent in his empire two hundred architects, 500 workers and 95 elephants from India. Were you told about Ulugbek- Tamerlan’s grandson, scientist and art protector? And now you have opportunity to see part of his observatory (15^th century) and unique astronomical instrument-sextant. The burial complex Shahi Zindeh (12-15^th centuries) also represents peculiar historical value; it is situated in Southern part of ancient settlement Afrosiab. The close relatives of Timur were buried here. Not far from Shahi Zindeh there is Hazret Hizr Mosque (19^th century).

Further on we will visit Samarkand bazaar. We have come here not only enjoy excursions. And what is the situation about carpets? Today we will also visit factory “Hudjum” which is famous for its artisans - of carpet embroidery, tubeteikas (scull caps), suzane, belts and another things.

After such busy excursion it would be pleasant to have a rest in cozy Samarkand hotel room.

Day 4. Samarkand - Bukhara.
Early in the morning we leave for Bukhara. On the way you in full measure will appreciate the greatness of Kisil - Kum desert, bearing even at the present moment traces of stretched caravans on the Great Silk Road. ”Bukhara - i - Sharif”, “Noble”, “Sacred”, those are only some of epithets awarded to this ancient city. One of the legends says about the founder of Bukhara. The origin of the city is connected with different legends and traditions. In one of the legend is told that son of Iranian king - Siavush arrived to Bukhara and married daughter of Afrosiab - local tsar and built fortress Ark Bukhara Zoroastrians honored the place of his death, and during the spring holyday - Navruz every man sacrificed a rooster at the eastern gates Gurian, where Siavush was buried.

During the time of Samanid dynasty Bukhara was the capital and was considered to be the greatest city of the whole Islam world. Besides it became a trade center of China with Western Asia. Caravans brought from here almost everything! Dry fruit, fabrics, vines, jewelry decorations etc. So Bukhara in some way became shroff shop for the all Asiatic Peoples. From this situation derived the saying of the 19^th century: “He is very careful, like Bukhara shroff”. By the way, it is written in Iranian encyclopedia that the name of the city derived from Sogdian “Buxrak” (“happy place”). May be that’s why the trade here was so brisk.

If you have enough strength after the road, you can go outside the city,(it is not far only 4 km. from Bukhara - 15-20 minutes drive). There you will see summer residence of Bukhara emir (19^th c.) called “Sitori Mohi Hosa” (“Palace of Moon and Stars”). Palace represented a fantastic mixture of Russian, Eastern and European architecture. Sitori Mohi Hosa, Popularly known as the Emir’s Summer Palace, this charming and unusual collection of dwellings and state rooms was built by the Russians in 1911 for the last Emir Alim Khan, as an inducement to get him out of the Ark fortress and safely ensconced in a strategic and cultural no-man’s-land on the edge of town.

You will be greatly impressed after visiting complex Bhaaddin Nakshbandi which counted as Central Asian Mecca. Nakshbandu himself was extremely influential sophy and at his time was spiritual adviser of Amir Timur.

After tiresome road you can have a rest in Bukhara hotel, waiting for the meeting with “God’s gem”- Bukhara.

Day 5. Bukhara.
Well, let’s take a walk in the city! At the beginning you will visit the mausoleum of Ismail Samani (9^th-10^th centuries), which is a pearl of Central-Asian architecture. It is a family burial- vault of the local dynasty, which founder was Ismail Samani. From different points of view the mausoleum is unique. Than we pass to the burial vault Chashma Aiub Mazar (12^th c.), which means (Job spring). This place shows the influence of Great Silk Road on the development of different cultures. A legend says that Job (Aiub), biblical prophet (wandered in this territory during the time of drought). The locals suffered from it and begged for water. Than prophet stroke the earth with his walking stick and beautiful spring of clear water appeared there. As the monuments follow one after another the next on our way will be the complex Poy - Kalan The complex Poy - Kalan (12 - 16c.) is the central in Buhara and is translated as “at the foot of the great” which means the foot of famous minaret Kalan (49 miters high built in 1127), the tallest in Buhara. Which survived by miracle, after multiple wars and invasions. Madrasah Ulug Bek will not be missed. Ulugbek a famous mathematician and astronomer was a grandson of commander Tamerlan. According to his order this madrasah was built in 1417. Further on, you will visit ensemble Liabi-Haus (16^th-17^th c.) which consists of Madrassah Kukeldash (1568 year) and Hanaka and Madrasah Nadir Divanbegi (1622 year). All buildings were grouped around central pool.

And now we will visit fortress Ark. It is the most ancient monument in Bukhara. It was citadel and residence of Bukhara rulers. Archeologists date it back to the 3rd century B.C. The tall brick walls with toothed endings hide a huge hill. This is the place where Bukhara appeared in the ancient times. There are not many structures that remained in Ark: the wooden buildings were destroyed by fire in 1920.

And after this marvelous excursion let’s visit a real Gold embroidery factory. The gold embroidery craft was revived with the help of old craftsmen in 1930. After revolution locals created Gold embroidery workmen"s cooperative associations and here girls and women became familiar with the art of Gold embroidery. During the Soviet time Bukhara gold embroidery factory became internationally known by its hand made products and established trade relations with Moscow, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Armenia. At the present moment more than 100 women and girls work at this factory. The majority of them have labor experience of gold embroidery from 10 to 30 years. Nowadays by not easy hand labor they create gold embroidery carpets, curtains, coats for men and women, head-dress, State Emblems, Uzbek national miniatures, different cases, bags, footwear, panels - all together 70-80 types of produce. All production is done by hands; here they use such embroidery techniques as “gulduzi”, “zaminduzi”, “shakarakduzi”.

Just here at this factory you can buy production of its workers and watch the process of creation.

Night in Bukhara hotel.

Day 6. Bukhara - Khiva.
Today we will travel to the fairytale city Khiva! Here it is…a unique, really eastern city her you can feel the spirit of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Here you will not see high modern buildings, wide roads with heavy traffic, no traffic jams. Here you have a feeling that time has frozen, with the hope to preserve everything that was created in this wander land by great Oriental architects.

Archeologists say that after visit to Khiva it is possible to imagine how in antique time looked other cities of Central Asia. You will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that points of interest in this city are situated rather compactly, on the small territory limited by city walls. This is the oldest part of the city - Ichan Kala - the inner city in Khiva (18^th century) which is state historical museum - preserve. But this museum in its character is not traditional; it is inhabited by real people, who live here in accordance with century-old traditions of their ancestors. Mainly they are hereditary weavers, black smiths, potters, wood carvers.

Khiva suffered greatly from four Timur’s military campaigns he succeeded to override it only in 1388. And not in vain this clever politician tried to be master of the city. After defeating Golden Horde, Amir Timur achieved the situation when the Great Silk Road - the main trade artery of that time, would pass over his territory. And Khiva was cultural and economically attractive oasis on the trade roads to Iran and Mediterranean.

During our walk we will see a real Khiva silk work shop. Not a single trip to Khiva will be considered to be complete if you will not see these wonderful work shops with your own eyes. Artisans create here high quality silk carpets and suzane (embroidered wall decorations) using ancient Timurid patterns, copied from tiles and doors of historical Khiva. Further on you should not refuse from visiting bazaar, where you can see excellent Khiva carpets, national coats, and tubeteikas (scull caps) embroidered with golden threads.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 7. Khiva.
Today we will have excursion in the course of which you will see a great number of historical monuments and old adobe houses. You will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that places of interest in Khiva are situated rather compactly, on the small territory limited by the city walls. Ichan Kala- the inner city museum: Madrasah Muhamed Amin Khan. City tour starts from the map of inner city and Madrasah Muhamed Amin Khan (1852-1855) and unfinished minaret Kalta minor next to it. The Shariat court was situated in madsrasah, which prepared projects of legal bills for rendition of verdicts of Khiva khan. At the present moment it is a hotel, tourist agency is also here,currency exchange office, office for selling air tickets and café. Kunia ark - old citadel built in 1686-1688 during the reign of Arang Khan which included the Throne hall, The Supreme court, Mint, harem, work shops for making gunpowder, arsenal, stables, kitchen and other subsidiary quarters. Pakhlavan Mahmud mausoleum. After his death he was canonized in Islam. Pakhlavan Mahmud became spiritual protector of Khorezmian rulers dynasty- tribe Kungrat (roots of this tribe go to the Mongol period) with the title “Pir”- spiritual protector. Pakhlavan Mahmud was buried in his own home which later was reconstructed into mausoleum. To be buried next to the canonized saint was matter of great honor which was used by Khiva khans: Abulgazi khan in 1644, Anusha khan in 1681, Albras in 1726, Shirgazi khan in 1730, Muhamed Rahim khan in 1825, Allakuli khan in 1842.

Madrasah and minaret Islam Khodja. This ensemble was built by a prominent according to his thoughts chief minister and connoisseur of Moslem law at the court of last Khiva ruler Esfandiar khan at the beginning of the 20^th century. Minaret is 45 miters high, 9, 5 miters in diameter at the foot it has 118 steps and offers in the first half of the day (depending on sun position) a beautiful Khiva panorama. They call minaret Islam Khodja- symbol of Khiva , the tapering upward shape goes back to the architectural models of the 14^th century. The building of madrasah itself is elegant and beautifully decorated; it has interesting exposition of local decorative and applied art museum. Mosque Djuma masdjid and minaret. This mosque was built in at the end of the 16th century which is written on the entrance doors. But this mosque incorporates elements that are considerably older. We are speaking about 213 columns that were collected in one unit from the whole Khorezm. Actually this is a mosque-museum of different Khorezmian columns made of elm tree in different time periods from the 10^th century up to our days and placed on the marble column foots.

Ak masdjid - White mosque. There was only one Friday mosque in Khiva and the rest of them were called guzar mosques and were used by residents for everyday preying. At the present days there are only two residential boroughs in Khiva, so there are only two ghuzar mosques: Ak masjid in the eastern suburbs of Khiva and Sholikor Seid biy situated near the Eastern gates Palvan darvaza (Hercules gates).

Before leaving the city visitors pass firstly Anusha khan bath hous (1657) and after that gallery in the gates Palvan darvaza, where a little bit more than a century ago existed slavery market where especially the Slavs slaves captured by Turkmen during their raids on the southern boundaries of Russian empire were highly valued.

Madrasah Kutlug Murad inak - (uncle of Allakuli khan), the first of Khiava khans who restored Kungrat Tribe dynasty - the junior branch of Sheibanids Madrasah was built by his order in the time of 1804-1812.
Allakuli khan Caravan saray. Caravan saray - as a big trade center was built during the reign of Allakuli khan in 1830, during the time of complete Khiva reconstruction after the long period of decline, distemper and epidermises.

Allakuli khan Madrasah. It was built in 1834-1835 has very unique planning because the construction workers managed to squeeze madrasah between the city wall and another madrasah which was built earlier.

Summer palace Tosh hovli. The palace cannot be called summer to the full understanding because khans lived here even in winters in yurts assembled on the brick round platforms and were heated by special stoves. Palace was built by Allakulikhan in 1832-1838. The palace consists of three parts:
1. Ishrat hovly or ishrat khona (court yard of joy) for the solemn ceremonies and receptions.
2. Arz hovly (court yard for performing justice) in the south-western part of the palace, with avian -terrace and three doors.
3. Beautifully decorated harem where lived four lawful wives and his concubines (their number was up to forty). And you can also climb Akshish-Bobo fortress from it opens the best view of the whole ancient city.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 8. Khiva - Urgench - Tashauz - Ashkhabad ( flight).
In the morning from Khiva you will be brought to the Uzbek-Turkmen border “Shavat” from it starts your Turkmen part of Carpet tour. So leaving hospitable sunny Uzbekistan after border and customs formalities you will find yourself in no less hospitable Eastern land - Turkmenistan. What do you know about Turkmenistan? I presume not much. This country is not exhibited for universal observation; the world doesn’t know a lot about it and to get here is rather complicated. But as far as it was famous through the ages for its carpet produce we will certainly bring you here. It`s no trouble at all for us. Particularly without visit to this country your trip would not be complete.

So, Turkmenistan starts for you with transfer to the town Tashauz (Dashaguz) and visit to its main point of interest - ancient historical Town named Kunya Urgench. Site of ancient settlement is situated within 100 km. from Tashauz. Ancient Kunya Urgench is a picturesque site of outstanding achievements in architecture and crafts, achieved by ancient civilization of Khorezm shahs. Nowadays it is not only well known tourist center but important place for Moslem pilgrimage. Since 1999 a joint project Turkmenistan Government and UN Development program is executed here; it is called “Kunya Urgench cultural development sphere”. In this town yuou eill visit such monuments as: mausoleums Turabek - Khanim, Sultan Tekesh, IL Arslan, minaret Kutlug Timur. After sightseeing you will be brought back to Tashauz, where you will have evening flight to the Capital of Turkmenistan - Ashkhabad. Upon your arrival you will be brought to the hotel where you will stay overnight.

Day 9. Ashkhabad.
Today immediately after breakfast we will set for famous Sunday bazaar (market). Thousands of shops with jewelry, wonderful fabrics and the main thing- we will see world famous wonderful Turkmen carpets. Carpets- it is the real common property of Turkmen people, symbolizing the ancient tradition of this land. For nomad Turkmen rug is of all valuables the most easily transportable. Carpets could be laid out wherever a tent was pitched: others could be used to decorate bare walls. At the same time their delicate complicated pattern was like a visiting card of every ethnic group, every family and could be used as home decoration. The art of carpet weaving is very difficult and labor consuming. It was traditionally handed over by carpet weavers from generation to generation. And ability to weave carpet was considered to be the main advantage of brides and wives. Every time after finishing next in turn piece of art the carpet weaver is congratulated on this important event in her life. Everyone who at hat moment is nearby is given a warp- thread which is tied round head. In accordance with popular belief by doing this you can rid yourself of headache.

The giant carpet “Turkmen kalbi” was created in 1941-1942 and it is the symbol of women diligence, courage and solidarity of Turkmen people. At the present moment it is displayed in the museum of Turkmen carpet GAK “Turkmen hali”. Another giant carpet created in 1996 was called “Turkmenbashi”. It is kept in Turkmenistan state museum. The third one “President” was created in 1998. Nowadays it decorates the Congress Palace “Ruhiet”. In honor of national Turkmenistan Flag Day - the 19^th of February 2001, the corporation has commenced the creation of the new , the fourth giant carpet called “Golden epoch of the Great Saparmurat Turkmenbashi”. This carpet is 300 ² m. and it was registered in the Guinness World record book, as the biggest hand weaved carpet in the world. This carpet decorates Turkmen carpet museum GAK “Turkmen hali” For Turkmenistan carpet represents something sacred and that’s why on its flag you can see carpet motives. At the present moment a hand made carpet is something that can be compared with painting of famous artist and that’s why it can be very expansive.

So, after acquaintance with carpet weaving art of Turkmenistan, you will visit national Museum of history and ethnography.

Night in hotel.

Day 10. Ashkhabad.
Today you are in prospect of great campaign to museum of carpets in Ashkhabad. You will see and learn much that will be new and unforgettable.
After this enjoyable excursion you will be transferred to Baharden and visit carpet factory. After such busy day it would be reasonable to return to the cozy hotel of Turkmen capital and spend night there.

Day 11. Ashkhabad - Mari (350km., 4-5 hours).
In the morning we head for another Turkmen town - Mari. Today you will have a chance to see the process of making hand and machine made carpets which is the subject of proud of inhabitants in this town. Teke, salor, iomud, ersarin carpets differ one from another by ornament and color. Former Merv oasis, today Mariysk province, is the motherland of world-wide famous teke carpets, here they preserve carpet making art traditions of teke tribe. You will have lunch in a real Turkmen village and further on stay in hotel.

Day 12. Mari - Merv (30 km. 30 minutes) - Mari.
After fast but nourishing breakfast we set for the place which is 30km. away from Merv to the ancient settlement Merv. And here you will see a great number of historical-archeological monuments. In bygone time this town was considered to be one of the most precious Eastern pearls shining in the time of ancient dynasties and becoming their capital or the most favorite city. From the beginning of its existence and till the time of its destruction by Mongols it was growing, developing and improving thanks to skilled artisans and attentive inhabitants. Nowadays Merv is considered to be a religious center of pilgrims, because on its site were preserved spiritual monuments that were built centuries ago.

On the territory of this amazing historical monument with the territory of 60 2 km. you will be lucky to see such monuments as: Giaur-Kala (3c.) Bolshaia and Malaia Kiz-Kala, Sultan-Kala, Eskhab brothers burial vault, fortress Erk-Kala, mausoleum of Muhamed-ibn-Zeida and others, the most popular among them is mausoleum of Seljuk Sultan Sandjar (11c.), and also ruins of the palaces dated from the time of Ahamenian, Parphian, Seljuk ruling.

Night in Mari hotel.

Day 13. Mari - Turkmen-Iranian border - Meshed.
The time has come to part with Turkmenistasn and drive to border of another famous oriental country - ancient Persia, or modern Islam Republic of Iran. So after crossing border control zone called “Serahs”, we drive into the territory of Iranian city Meshed.

As it is known, Persian carpet is a quality model for the carpets of different countries. Hand made excellent carpets are produced here and now. Iranian carpet represents a valuable legacy of Iranian people. Since ancient time thanks to its high quality and its individuality of pattern it enjoyed wide popularity not only in Iran but in the whole world. This type of traditional art plays important role in the sphere of occupation, besides carpet is one of the main after oil exported from Iran goods. Iranian carpet is the symbol of delicacy, art, creative initiative and diligence of Iranian people.

As for Meshed. It is situated in the North-Eastern part of Iran. Meshed is the capital of Khorasan province and important center of carpet produce. It is also considered to be the most sacred city in Iran because temple of Imam Reza - a person in the old days (and especially now) very respected among Moslems around the world. Here you are in prospect to see famous Meshed carpets that have elegant medallions on the floral background of red or blue color scheme. Sometimes these carpets copy classical patterns of Kashan city and sometimes Heraty detail; they are sold under the name of Khorasan.

After acquaintance with Meshed carpet art, you will stay overnight in hotel.

Day 14. Meshed - Fahre Dovud - Meshed - Tehran (flight).
In the next to the last day you are in prospect to visit Iranian village called “Fahre Dovud” but why it is of such a big interest? The answer will be quite banal: the point is this, right here is situated the carpet factory that we are looking for, here they weave the magnificent handmade carpets.

Then you will come back to Meshed and finish packing your things because in the evening you Fly to Tehran.

Well, you are welcome to the hospitable capital of Persia. Overnight in Tehran hotel.

Day 15. Tehran. Departure.
Ladies and gentlemen the unforgettable thematic carpet tour gradually is coming to its end. But before bidding farewell with unique Tehran we inevitably will research it. In this city you will visit famous museum of carpets. Carpet museum is a real treasury of rare ancient articles of Sefevids, Kadjars dynasties, and also of modern time. Museum was open in 1974, it is situated in octagonal building, and its facade represents a weaving loom. It is a two storey building with basement. It was built in modern architectural style with consideration of all necessary conditions for preserving carpets. Entering museum the visitors at once get to the restoration hall. In the next hall visitors can see exhibited carpets from different cities of the country where people are engaged in this type of folk craft. The main centers of carpet weaving are shown on the scheme. In the center of the hall there is a big pool which doubles the beauty of the hall. In the same hall there is a teahouse which attracts tourists. Two exhibiting halls cover the territory of 3400 2 m. Carpets and kilims (carpets without pile) are displayed here. In the main hall just at the door in two separate window cases one can see the raw materials for making natural dyes: pomegranate peal, walnut peal, madder, mignonette, lapis-lazuli, alum etc. In another window case there are labor instruments that are needed for carpet weaving: different size scissors, crochets and reeds. Beside the window case there is a vertical weaving loom, a crafts man sits in front and demonstrates the process of carpet weaving in front of the visitors. In the exhibition halls are displayed carpets from different regions of Iran, including such “carpet” regions as Kashan, Khorasan,Kurdistan, Kerman and also produce of nomadic tribes. All these carpets and samples that are kept in store-rooms make up hundreds of unique specimens.

Evening has approached insensibly. It is a high time to get in the car and with our driver to leave for the international airport. Here it is - the official parting with surprising unheard on earth fairy Orient. Our travel is over. But hospitable Asiatic land will be waiting for us to open a lot of other mysteries and riddles. And tourist company Central Asia Travel will do its best to make this travel unforgettable!

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