WEBZINE ACC

ACC, Central Asia, and Uzbekistan

The National Asian Culture Center (ACC) collects cultural assets from Asian countries to facilitate the promulgation of Asian cultural values. In particular, the ACC Asia Culture Museum is currently preparing its next permanent exhibition on Central Asian culture as the next step for its current exhibition, “A World Unveiled by Monsoon: Port Cities of Southeast Asia.” In May 2024, the ACC made plans for its field survey of Uzbekistan through a cooperative agreement with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and made efforts to collect the materials to be displayed in the permanent exhibition.

Central Asia is a region of great diversity, historically and culturally located at the center of the continent of Asia, with long-standing historical and cultural connections to Korea. Through the Silk Road, Central Asia and the Korean Peninsula have maintained economic and cultural exchange. Uzbekistan, situated in the middle of Central Asia, was one of the main hubs of the Silk Road, which imbued the country with a rich history and cultural heritage. Today, Uzbekistan attracts many travelers with its unique traditions and beautiful architecture. While the cities of Samarkand and Tashkent often come to mind when one thinks of Uzbekistan, this article focuses on the Farg’ona region, the destination of this field survey. Farg’ona is known for its rich culture and art, and this article showcases such heritage through the two crafts that represent the region: Rishtan ceramics and Margilan atlas.

Farg’ona, at the Intersection of the Silk Road

Located in eastern Uzbekistan, Farg’ona is a region of great historical and cultural importance. Farg’ona’s location in the mountains grants a temperate climate and abundant rainfall, which, in turn, made the region the most fertile in the entirety of Uzbekistan. Because of this, Farg’ona has served as the center of agriculture and trade since ancient times and as a hub on the Silk Road for centuries. These factors created a vibrant multicultural society in Farg’ona, where many cultures and religions coexist.

It takes about five hours by train to reach Farg’ona from Tashkent. (Source: Google Maps)

Rishtan Ceramics: A Thousand-Year Tradition Flowering at the Fingertips

Rishtan, a small village in Farg’ona, has produced ceramics for more than a thousand years. Rishtan ceramics are made with natural ingredients from the area, which imbue ceramics with unique color and sheen. The origins of Rishtan ceramics can be traced back to the 9th century. The resources and unique earth found in Rishtan created an ideal condition for ceramic production, and even today, plenty of kilns and workshops on ceramics production can be found in the region. When one visits a historic ceramics workshop in Rishtan, one can learn about the historic techniques and secrets that have been in use for the last thousand years.

A house belonging to a ceramic artisan in Rishtan, with colorful ceramics on display

The process of making ceramics is still done by hand, and each piece is the result of the artisan’s delicate touch. Rishtan’s unique clay is first mixed with water and kneaded. During this process, the clay is beaten and aged several times to give it a smooth, uniform texture. The aged clay is then molded into the desired shape using the wheel, and the result is then air-dried to remove moisture. Once completely dry, the greenware is fired at temperatures between 900°C and 1,000°C. This process, called bisque firing, hardens the work and makes it durable. The glazes used in Rishtan ware are mostly made with natural materials, and the traditional combination of blue, green, and white creates the unique beauty of Rishtan ceramics. Also influenced by Islamic art, Rishtan ceramics feature geometric, floral, and plant motifs. Finally, glaze firing is done at a temperature of around 1,000°C to 1,100°C,
during which the glaze is melted to form a smooth, glossy finish on the surface of the piece.

Rishtan ceramics are more than just crafts—they are works of art used in everyday life. Despite being produced for practical purposes, jugs, teacups, plates, bowls, and other pieces are works of art in their own right. One can visit the workshops of local artisans and experience the unforgettable process of ceramic-making firsthand. Whether it be painting one’s designs on the ceramicware or watching it being fired in a kiln, one gets a deep sense of the value of Rishtan ceramics. The variety of designs and patterns of Rishtan ceramics, which can only be found here, are the result of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

Margilan Atlas: Colors of Tradition That Connect the Silk Road

Another gem of Farg’ona, Margilan, is a vital hub city of the Silk Road that has produced silk for more than 2,000 years. Margilan atlas is a fabric known for its vibrant color and unique patterns. Silk production techniques that have been passed down throughout generations are still in use in Margilan. Its markets and workshops still ring with the sounds of silk being woven, and one has the incomparably special opportunity to see the silk being produced according to their traditions.

Margilan Crafts Development Center’s interior: Artisans use traditional looms to create Margilan atlas

The production process for Margilan atlas involves spinning silk threads from high-quality cocoons and then dyeing and weaving the threads to create a beautiful silk fabric. Atlas silk is also renowned for its brilliant colors and beautiful patterns, and this luster and color are produced using traditional methods that mimic the colors of nature. In particular, the unique patterns and designs of the Margilan atlas have remained part of the cultural heritage that has been passed down through the ages. Atlas is widely used in everyday life, including traditional clothing, scarves, curtains, and pillow covers. Clothing made with Margilan atlas is often worn on special occasions, such as weddings and festivals, exuding a sense of splendor and luxury.

In Margilan’s silk workshops, one can experience traditional silk production firsthand. Weaving silk using a traditional loom is not easy, but the result shines unlike any other. Silk scarves and traditional costumes made with atlas embody Margilan’s tradition and art.

One Day in Farg’ona: Traveling in Art

Farg’ona is more than just a tourist destination, it is a place where one can experience living culture and tradition. Rishtan ceramics and Margilan atlas are works of art that embody the history and culture of Farg’ona, and their depth can only be appreciated in person. Traveling here, interacting with the masters, watching them at work, and experiencing their craft firsthand are what makes Farg’ona so special. A day here, where tradition and modernity coexist, is more than just a trip; it is a cultural odyssey that connects the past with the present. We hope that all travelers to Uzbekistan will return home with full appreciation of its beauty.