The “Crafts of the Turkic Peoples” Forum will be held on May 12-14 in Rishtan district on the Great Silk Road.

Rishtan is one of the ancient cities on the Great Silk Road, considered a major center of pottery with a unique glaze in Central Asia. Even the name of the city is related to red clay – the primary raw material of ceramists: in the ancient Sogdian language, “Rash” (“Rush”, “Rushi”) – “red earth”.

The products of Rishtan ceramists are distinguished by their design, bright natural colors, and richness of patterns. Rishtan ceramics and miniatures sold in the shops of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khorezm region are of interest to foreign tourists. In the workshops of Rishtan, you can see the work of ceramists.

Another factor in developing ceramics in Rishtan is the preparation of ceramic clay from local soil to create various products. Rishtan masters believe that this clay can be used without primary processing.

For the manufacture of porcelain products, clay is imported from Fergana Valley. More than 20 eminent masters and almost seven thousand of their students work in Rishtan district. Each master provides work for 30-50 families. Members of these families are engaged in painting and decorating ceramic products at home. So the local population is provided with employment and income.

These days, active preparations are underway in the district for the traditional forum, organized by the Hokimiyat of the region, the Hunarmand Association, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The event is essential for the promotion of Rishtan ceramics. In addition, everyone at the forum will be convinced of the talent of local artisans.

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Masudjon Sulaymonov, photos by M.Qodirov, UzA