Samarkand paper

There are many sites to visit in Samarkand but not all visitors know about the existence of a unique workshop in a small village next Konigil, located next to Samarkand. This place was founded to revive the ancient tradition of producing paper like many centuries ago. The Uzbek crafters carefully kept this technology and passed to their descendants and there is a chance for any guest to observe all stages of manufacturing ancient Samarkand paper.

Samarkand paper is usually made of mulberry tree. First of all the bark must be cleaned and boiled for many hours in a large pan. Then they are placed in special stupas to get a homogenous mass by beating them. After it the resulting mass is put in a tub of water, mixed and filtered. Then it is pressed  frazelin sheets. After it the paper must be removed from the sheets and properly dried out. To get rid of the roughness of paper, masters polish it on a marble table with a piece of marble and it becomes very strong and smooth.

Today this paper is famous not only in Uzbekistan but also abroad. Due to not using of chemicals, this paper can last for 300-400 years. Calligraphers like to use it, and many ancients manuscripts are restored with Samarkand paper.

The factory is a cozy place with shady trees, bubbling Siab river, country-style house and all the equipment just like in the 8^th century when the secret of paper production was revealed from the Chinese prisoners. You can find lots of souvenirs made of paper such as postcards, envelops, bags, dolls, even shoes and slippers. Come and explore one of the most ancient crafts of Uzbekistan.