In this episode of Explore, we visit Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley, where ancient crafts and their masters still thrive, their knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
00:00Traditional crafts are a vital part of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage.
00:07For centuries, local artisans have passed their knowledge down to the next generations.
00:14The tradition has been preserved to this day.
00:17In the hands of modern craftsmen, history comes alive.
00:23I am in Uzbekistan's Namangan region in the Ferugana Valley to explore local traditions of knife-making and ceramics.
00:31I hope to learn from the masters and maybe I will uncover some secrets.
00:41My journey starts in the city of Chust.
00:44Here, since ancient times, knife-makers known as Suzangaras have created exquisitely beautiful knives or pichoks renowned far beyond the region.
00:56I am here to meet Rahim John Ubaidulaif who represents a dynasty of Suzangaras.
01:02Asus and Gaa has to perform 70 operations before a piece of metal turns into a knife.
01:23Traditional methods of hardening involve heating and cooling the blade multiple times.
01:30Asus and Gaa has to perform 70 operations before a piece of metal turns into a piece of metal.
01:35Asus and Gaa has to perform 70 operations before a piece of metal turns into a piece of metal turns into a piece of metal turns into a piece of metal.
01:50Historically, the Uzbek Pichok has been a symbol of status, often associated with local traditions and ceremonies.
01:58Creating a handle is an art in itself.
02:01Chused craftsmen traditionally use natural materials such as wood, bone or horn.
02:06The handles are often adorned with intricate designs or carvings.
02:11Rahim John's well-crafted pichoks are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts from abroad.
02:17My next destination is Rishtan. This city in Fergana Valley used to be the center of ceramics since ancient times.
02:22Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most popular ones.
02:25My next destination is Rishtan. This city in Fergana Valley used to be the center of ceramics since ancient times.
02:29Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most renowned in Uzbekistan.
02:36Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most renowned in Uzbekistan.
02:43Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most renowned in Uzbekistan.
02:50Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most renowned in Uzbekistan.
02:55Alisher Nazirov, a Rishtan Ceramics Master, is one of the most renowned in Uzbekistan.
03:11The journey to mastery is long, spending many years of dedication and practice.
03:16This is how the clay is prepared.
03:19Well, I have a try. It looks easy, but in fact, it requires lots of strength and stability.
03:40There are many secrets passed down through generations of masters.
03:44Firing at an extremely high temperature is a very important part of the process.
03:50The object determines its length and length.
03:54We use it like this.
03:57In Rishtan, there are such trays that the father who ate the fish,
04:02and now he is eating it. Four generations.
04:05Rishtan Ceramics feature a unique choice of colors, with each piece being a work of art.
04:11The artist's choice while painting is rooted in tradition.
04:15It tells the story of Rishtan and the region where each symbol carries meaning,
04:20a story waiting to be told.
04:23Rishtan Ceramics is based on the technique of Islimi.
04:28Islimi is a farmer.
04:30The granite is a symbol of nature.
04:32The apple is a symbol of a carrot.
04:34The fish is a symbol of purity.
04:35The fish is a symbol of purity.
04:37I think it is a part of the soul in every work.
04:41Uzzbekistan's traditional ceramics including those from Rishtan are on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
04:50Now I have the chance to add a few strokes of my own to this living history.
