Rishtan

Rishtan is renowned for its skilled craftsmen and exceptional glazed ceramics. As the largest center for ceramic production in Central Asia, Rishtan’s pottery has a legacy that stretches back nearly a millennium.

The origins of Rishtan trace back to the 4th century BC, when the first settlements emerged in the area. During the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, the bustling caravans of the Great Silk Road passed through this region, making it a significant waypoint for trade and cultural exchange.

The name «Rishton» first appeared in historical records in the 9th century. Interestingly, the term «Rishton» was used to denote wise men, reflecting the settlement’s reputation as a place of knowledge and craftsmanship. Over the centuries, Rishtan evolved into a notable center for pottery, a tradition that has become the city’s hallmark.

Pottery in Rishtan began nearly a thousand years ago. Initially, local artisans crafted simple clay dishes. Over time, these craftsmen started to adorn their pottery with intricate designs using a distinctive blue glaze known as «ishkor.» This glaze, made from natural dyes, has become synonymous with Rishtan ceramics. Rishtan ceramics are crafted from a unique red clay that is exclusively sourced from the local area. The clay’s exceptional quality and the artisans’ skillful techniques combine to produce stunning ceramic pieces. The most renowned items include: Lyagan (a large dish used for serving food),  Kosa (a deep cup often used for soups or stews), Piala (a handleless cup typically used for tea), jugs (various sizes and shapes for storing and serving liquids).

The process of making Rishtan ceramics is meticulous, involving several stages. After shaping the clay into the desired form, the pieces are dried and then fired in a kiln. The distinctive blue ishkor glaze is applied before a second firing, resulting in the vibrant, glossy finish that characterizes Rishtan pottery.

Rishtan is unique in Central Asia for maintaining its ancient ceramic production traditions. Approximately 100 hereditary masters live in the city, passing down their knowledge and skills through generations. In total, there are nearly 1,000 ceramics masters in Rishtan, each contributing to the preservation and evolution of this art form.

These artisans continue to use time-honored methods and natural materials, ensuring that each piece of pottery is a genuine representation of Rishtan’s cultural heritage. The secrets of their craft, from the composition of the ishkor glaze to the specific techniques of shaping and decorating the clay, remain closely guarded and are taught within families.

Today, Rishtan continues to thrive as a center of ceramic artistry. Visitors to Rishtan can explore numerous workshops and studios, where they can witness the creation of these exquisite pieces firsthand and purchase unique items directly from the artisans.

Ancient Settlement

Rishtan’s historical significance dates back to pre-Islamic times. While many of its archaeological sites were destroyed in the early 20th century by the Bolsheviks, remnants of the ancient settlement can still be found at the «Sohibi Hidoya» cemetery. This active cemetery preserves traces of a once-thriving city.

In the mid-20th century, archaeologists unearthed the remains of ancient houses, craft quarters, and kilns for firing ceramics, some of which were glazed. These findings, dating to the 2nd-1st centuries BC, confirm that a city existed in this area long before the common era.

The cemetery itself, a settlement from the 5th-10th centuries, houses ancient tombstones with Arabic inscriptions. It also includes the symbolic tomb of Burhanuddin al-Marghinani ar-Roshidoniy, a 12th-century scholar. Nearby, in the Dahbed mahalla (residential quarter), part of a defensive city wall was discovered in 2010, bearing mudflow marks from the 5th-11th centuries.

Khoja Ilgar Mosque

The Khoja Ilgar Mosque, located within the historical «Sohibi Hidoya» cemetery, was constructed in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Despite its modest size (40×13 meters), the mosque is architecturally significant, supported by three columns that frame a three-sided prayer square. At its center is a beautifully designed mihrab, directing worshippers towards the Kaaba.

The mosque also houses an ancient korihona, a room for Koran readers. Originally built in the 8th-9th centuries for Zoroastrians, it was later converted for Islamic use. The korihona features a pointed dome reminiscent of Central Asian tribal headgear. Surrounding the mosque are ancient plane trees, willows, elms, and an artificial pond, or hauz.

Ceramics Center

Rishtan is globally renowned for its exquisite ceramics, particularly those with a distinctive blue glaze. To celebrate and preserve this craft, the construction of the International Ceramics Center began in 2020, under the guidance of famous Rishtan ceramist Alisher Nazirov.

By the end of 2020, the center boasted 20 workshops, each uniquely designed to reflect the individuality of its master. These workshops are equipped with autonomous gas and electric lines to support the ceramists’ work. The center also includes a museum of Rishtan’s history and guest rooms for tourists, creating a comprehensive hub for both artisans and visitors.

Among the notable ceramists whose workshops can be visited are Rustam Usmanov and Alisher Nazirov, whose works have garnered international acclaim. The center not only preserves ancient techniques but also fosters innovation and creativity in ceramic arts.