Nestled in the historic city of Samarkand, the heart of the ancient Silk Road, the “Silk Carpets of Samarkand-Bukhara” workshop stands as a testament to the enduring artistry of Central Asia. Established in 1992, this workshop is more than a factory—it’s a sanctuary where the lost traditions of carpet weaving from Uzbekistan and its neighboring regions, such as Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, are lovingly revived.
At the helm of this centuries-old craft is the Badghisi family, whose lineage of master weavers has preserved the art of carpet making through generations. Haji Mohammad Ewaz Badghisi, a Turkmen master weaver whose life spans over a century, leads this legacy. His journey, marked by resilience, saw the family relocate to Afghanistan during the Soviet era, only to return to Uzbekistan in 1992 amidst political upheaval. Today, his descendants, Abdullah and Zainab, continue the family’s rich heritage, infusing the workshop with their expertise, passion, and a touch of humor that makes every visit memorable.
The workshop employs 400 artisans, yet it defies the label of a factory, as every step—from dyeing threads to weaving intricate masterpieces—is meticulously executed by hand. A handmade carpet is not just a decorative item; it is a functional work of art, blending aesthetic beauty with practical utility. Crafting a single carpet requires months of painstaking labor and tens of thousands of silkworm cocoons.
Stroll through Shahi-Zinda
Explore Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Discover Registan Square grandeur
Shop at Siab Bazaar
Taste local traditional bread