Paper Making

Eurasia.Travel > Uzbekistan > Culture of Uzbekistan > Handicrafts of Uzbekistan > Paper Making

Samarkand's Silken Pages:

The Revival of an Ancient Papermaking Art

From the heart of Central Asia, the city of Samarkand emerges not only as a crossroads of cultures but also as a beacon of artisanal heritage, particularly in the craft of papermaking. The art of papermaking, long shrouded in secrecy, traces its origins to ancient China. However, it wasn’t until the 8th century that this closely guarded secret found a new home in Samarkand. Following a historic battle where Samarkand’s forces triumphed over Chinese invaders, captured Chinese papermakers bartered their knowledge for their freedom. Thus began Samarkand’s journey as a hub of silk paper production, a title it held until the 18th century.

Samarkand paper was renowned for its exceptional smoothness, vibrant color, and most importantly, its durability. Documents penned on this paper have survived through the ages, now treasured exhibits in museums worldwide. Esteemed by calligraphers and artists alike, it became the preferred medium for texts, miniatures, and book production.

The paper came in various grades, with the «Sultan» grade being the most exquisite, supplanting papyrus and leather in the European markets during the Middle Ages. Following it was the «Silk» grade, known for its smoothness and light yellow hue. The least refined was the «nimkanop,» a brownish paper made from silk waste and other admixtures.

The relentless internal conflicts of the 16th to 18th centuries forced Samarkand’s artisans to abandon their workshops. Over time, the art of papermaking waned, only to be rekindled in the 20th century, thanks to UNESCO’s initiative.

  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village
  • traditional way of making Samarkand paper in Konigil village

Today, the Meros Paper Mill in Konigil village, near Samarkand, stands as a testament to the revival of this ancient craft. Founded by the Mukhtarov brothers, the mill has breathed new life into the old techniques. Visitors to the mill can witness the entire manual process, a living exhibition of historical craftsmanship.

The mill uses silk waste, mulberry bark, and bamboo sprouts—or wooden sticks as an alternative—as raw materials. These are boiled extensively, ground into a homogeneous pulp, and then formed into thin sheets. The paper is then dried, pressed, bleached, and comes to its defining moment: polishing. Each sheet is meticulously polished on marble with onyx stones, endowing the Samarkand paper with its legendary smoothness.

The paper produced at the Konigil Factory today is sought after for the restoration of ancient manuscripts and the recreation of traditional miniatures, both within Uzbekistan and internationally. Through these efforts, the Samarkand paper is gradually reclaiming its historical renown, enchanting a new generation with its silky touch and enduring charm.