Explore Fergana Valley’s Art and Fashion Scene

CTN Recommended Route: Explore Fergana Valley’s Art and Fashion Scene

Length: 5 days

Fergana Valley CTN Recommended Routes help you discover immersive, off-the-beaten-path cultural and artistic experiences along the Silk Road to help you plan your visit to the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan. Routes can be adjusted in terms of duration, sightseeing stops and artisan visits according to your interests, needs and schedule.

Days 1-2: Explore the Handicrafts of Fergana Region

• Margilan: Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov is a 9^th generation ikat fabric designer who runs the Margilan Crafts Development Center in the beautifully renovated 19^th century Said Akmad-Khoja Madrassa.
• Margilan: Nargiza Sherkhodjayeva offers traditional embroidery (suzani), ikat, and silk carpets in her handicrafts shop, Nora & Co.
• Fergana City: Matmusaev Eldorbek is the founder of El-Nur Leather workshop, a studio specializing in handmade leather products.
• Fergana City: Nargiza Yuldasheva is the founder of Begoyim Creates which designs beautiful traditional clothing as well as pieces with a modern twist.
• Kuvasoy: Khayrutdin Zaynudinov of Simurgh Designs is a renowned clothing designer who uses traditional embroidery and fabrics with a specialty in Chapans (long, traditional coats).
• Rishtan: Diyorbek Nazirov comes from a long line of master potters and continues to create ceramics using traditional methods and symbolic patterns in his studio at the International Ceramics Centre.  
• Shohmardonobod: Sadokat Mirzaeva, founder of Art House Sadosh, makes handmade dolls, embroidery (suzani), purses and ikat items.
• Uchkuprik Village: Rano Botaboyeva produces jewellery inspired by traditional Uzbek stories, symbols and processes.
  

Day 3: Discover the Craftsmanship of Andijan Region

Transportation: Travel by train or taxi to Andijan city for at least one night, ideally two.

Accommodation: Stay at CTN Member Uzbechka Hotel in Andijan

Select several places to visit in Andijan Region to explore its rich handicrafts heritage:

• Shakhrikhan: Muzaffar Umarov is a 10^th generation knifemaker who loves sharing with visitors to his workshop the traditional techniques and stories behind these famous knives, including those made with Damascus steel.
• Registan, Andijan City: Explore the variety of handicraft shops and museum around the Registan where the artisans are happy to share their craft and story with you.
• Andijan City: Visit the workshop of Mirzabakhrom Abduvahabov, a 15^th generation master potter who is continuing the traditions of Andijan-style handmade ceramics.

Day 4: Meet the Masters of Namangan Region

Transportation: Transfer by car or train to Namangan City.

Accommodation: Stay at CTN Member Atlas Hostel in Namangan

Learn about Namangan Region’s long history handicrafts by visiting the following artisans and shops:

• Namangan City: Silk Granat owned by Marina Djabbarova is a beautiful shop filled with high quality handicrafts sourced from local artisans.
• Namangan City: Isakjanov Abdulbosit is the founder of Abdulhakim Suzani Embroidery that produces traditional handmade embroidered products and clothing.
• Gurumsaroy Town: Buvayev Vakhobjon is a prominent artisan of Gurumsaroy ceramics. Visit his workshop in the beautiful little town of Gurumsaray either as a day trip from Namangan City or en route to Tashkent.
• Yangiqo‘rg‘on District: Nurbek Khatammirzayev is reviving the ancient pottery traditions of Ahsikent and his ceramics are distinguished by natural colours.

Day 5: Return to Tashkent or Continue to Kyrgyzstan

Return to Tashkent: Take a train, shared taxi or flight from Namangan City or by train from Pop.

Crossing into Kyrgyzstan: If you are continuing onto Kyrgyzstan, go through the Uchkurgan-Kensay border around one hour from Namangan City and cross into Jalal-Abad Region. Arslanbob is around two hours from the border. Alternatively, you can cross the Dostyk border near Andijan to reach Osh.