The Fergana Valley stands as the heart of craftsmanship and artistry in Uzbekistan. One of the most extraordinary aspects of traveling here is the chance to meet local artisans and learn from them in their workshops. This specially curated CTN itinerary, dedicated to the art and fashion of the region, connects you with CTN members engaged in traditional crafts throughout the Fergana Valley. Many of these artisans uphold ancestral traditions passed down through generations while also pioneering innovative designs that blend heritage with modernity. Covering the Fergana, Namangan, and Andijan regions, this itinerary can be customized based on your schedule, whether you plan to continue your journey to Kyrgyzstan or return to Tashkent.
Recommendations: To ensure a seamless travel experience, we recommend reaching out to one of CTN-affiliated tour operators or guides. They will craft a personalized itinerary, arrange visits to artisans, coordinate transportation and accommodation, and provide a range of additional services. At a minimum, hiring a private driver is advised, as public transport and taxis may not always provide easy access to all locations.
Note: Visiting artisans and their workshops requires prior booking or reservations.
Getting to the Fergana Valley: We recommend taking a train from Tashkent to Margilan in the Fergana region (approximately 4.5 hours).
Accommodation: Stay at the Ikat House, a CTN member guesthouse in Margilan.
Discover the region’s rich craftsmanship by visiting a selection of artisans and workshops:
Margilan: Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov, a ninth-generation ikat textile designer, manages the Craft Development Center in Margilan, housed in the beautifully restored 19th-century Said Ahmad-Khoja Madrasah.
Margilan: Nargiza Sherkhodzhaeva offers traditional embroidery (suzani), ikat, and silk carpets at her artisan shop, Nora & Co.
Fergana City: Eldorbek Matmusayev is the founder of El-Nur, a leather workshop specializing in handcrafted leather goods.
Fergana City: Nargiza Yuldasheva, the visionary behind Begoyim Creates, designs exquisite traditional attire and contemporary fashion pieces.
Kuvasoy: Hayruddin Zainudinov of Simurgh Designs is a renowned fashion designer incorporating traditional embroidery and textiles, with a specialization in chapans (long traditional coats).
Rishtan: Diyorbek Nazirov, a descendant of a long line of master potters, continues to create exquisite ceramics using traditional techniques and symbolic patterns at the International Ceramics Center.
Shohmaradonobod: Sadokat Mirzayeva, founder of the Sadash Art House, crafts handmade dolls, suzani embroidery, handbags, and ikat-based products.
Uchkupirik Village: Rano Botaboyeva creates jewelry inspired by Uzbek folklore, symbols, and time-honored techniques.
Transportation: Travel by train or taxi to Andijan for at least one night, preferably two.
Accommodation: Stay at Uzbechka Hotel, a CTN member establishment in Andijan.
Select from a range of artisan experiences to explore Andijan’s rich craft traditions:
Shakhrikhan: Muzaffar Umarov, a tenth-generation master bladesmith, passionately shares the history and techniques behind his renowned handcrafted knives, including those made from Damascus steel.
Registan, Andijan City: Explore an array of artisan shops and museums around the Registan Square, where craftsmen eagerly showcase their work and share their cultural heritage.
Andijan City: Visit the workshop of Mirzabakhram Abduvakhabov, a fifteenth-generation pottery master who upholds the traditions of handcrafted Andijan-style ceramics.
Transportation: Transfer by car or train to Namangan.
Accommodation: Stay at CTN Member Atlas Hostel in Namangan.
Experience Namangan’s long-standing craft traditions with visits to the following artisan workshops and shops:
Namangan City: Silk Pomegranate, owned by Marina Jabbarova, is a boutique filled with exquisite, high-quality pieces crafted by local artisans.
Namangan City: Isakjanov Abdulbosit is the founder of Abdulhakim Suzani Embroidery, a workshop producing traditional handcrafted embroidered textiles and garments.
Gurumsaray Town: Vakhobjon Buvaev is a distinguished master of Gurumsaray ceramics. His workshop, located in the picturesque town of Gurumsaray, makes for an ideal day trip from Namangan or a stopover en route to Tashkent.
Yangikurgan District: Nurbek Khatammirzaev is reviving the ancient pottery traditions of Ahsikent, crafting ceramics known for their naturally derived colors and intricate designs.
