About this experience
You will discover the traditions and secrets of the Gizhduvan ceramic school, one of the oldest in Uzbekistan. You will attend a master class on cooking pilaf and take a walk in the Old City. You will hear the history of crafts that made Bukhara famous and visit a series of workshops: doll-making, carpet-weaving, blacksmithing, minting, gold embroidery, jewelry-making, and many others.
What to expect
Fame of Bukhara craftsmen
The city has long been known as a center of culture, trade, science, and craft. Even before our era, coins with the image of kings were minted here. You will learn about the famous products of Bukhara that were renowned worldwide even after the spread of factory production. I will tell you about the famous Bukhara karakul, which is still produced here. The traditions of sewing exquisite robes with golden threads. And of course, about skilled blacksmiths, jewelers, and minters who became famous far beyond their native city.
Gizhduvan - center of ceramic products
In the morning, you will head to the city located 50 km from Bukhara, where one of the oldest ceramic schools of the region is located. In the pottery workshop, you will see the process of making products, discover the secrets of the special properties of ceramics, in which you can even cook. You will learn what distinguishes Gizhduvan ceramics from other Uzbek traditions. You will also learn about the intricacies of applying patterns, the paints used, and the symbolism of the ornament.
Pilaf cooking master class
Returning from Gizhduvan, you will move to a national house, where a gastronomic master class will be held for you. You will learn how to make traditional Uzbek pilaf according to all the rules, and then taste the resulting dish in a warm company.
Walk around the city and craft workshops
After lunch, I will take you on a short tour of the historical center, tell you about the monuments of the ancient and medieval East - fabulous mosques, minarets, madrasas, and mausoleums. And then you will visit several workshops: doll-making, carpet-weaving, blacksmithing, minting, ceramics, embroidery, gold embroidery, jewelry, and others. Craftsmen will gladly share the intricacies of their art with you and demonstrate the work process.
Organizational details
What is included and what is not
- Transfer during the trip to Gizhduvan is included in the price, the rest of the excursion is on foot
- The pilaf cooking master class and lunch are paid separately - $15/person and entrance tickets to architectural monuments - approximately $10/person
Additional options
- For groups of more than 4 people, a minibus can be rented for an additional fee
- I can also organize a master class on any type of craft listed in the program, approximate cost - $10-50/person
