ARTS ON THE SILK ROAD (IN THE EXAMPLE OF ZARAFSHON VALLEY)
Keywords:
Silk Road; Zarafshan Valley; folk crafts; decorative and applied arts; Tajik embroidery; carpet weaving; ornamentation; suzani; ethnoculture; symbolism.Abstract
This article explores the development of decorative and applied arts in the Zarafshan Valley, one of the prominent centers of traditional craftsmanship along a branch of the Great Silk Road. The author examines the historical and cultural significance of folk crafts such as embroidery (particularly suzani) and carpet weaving, situating them within the broader context of intercultural exchange along the Silk Road. Based on field research conducted in the villages of Magiyan, Shing, Farob, and Veshab, the article analyzes ornamental motifs, compositional techniques, and symbolic meanings embedded in the handmade artifacts of local artisans. The study highlights the spiritual and cultural importance of these crafts, their role in preserving the national identity of the Tajik people, and the transmission of artisanal knowledge across generations. Special attention is paid to the influence of natural surroundings and the philosophical symbolism inherent in traditional patterns.
Downloads
References
Akilova M. Patterns of weaving and embroidery of the Zarafshan Valley of Tajikistan. - Dushanbe: Mega Basim, 2015. - 112 p.
Chinese Ali Akbar. China name (by Eraj Afshor's effort). - Tehran: Center for documents of Asian culture, 1357. - 292 p.
Voronina V.L. Architecture of ancient Pendzhikent (Results of excavations 1954-1959) Materials of research on archeology of the USSR, No. 124. - Moscow, 1964. - 85 p.
Pescherova E.M. Costume of the peoples of Middle Asia/ Wedding in craft circles of Karataga// Family and family rituals of the peoples of Middle Asia and Kazakhstan. - Moscow: Nauka, 1979. -185 p.
Shirokova Z.A. Decorative embroideries of the Tajiks of Verkhovev Zeravshana// History and ethnography of the nations of Middle Asia (collection of articles). - Dushanbe: Donish, 1981. - 129 p.
Northern Tajikistan - tourism and crafts/ D. Yusupov, A. Yakubi, M. Akilova - Dushanbe: Mega Basim, 2016. - 122 p.
Edward Rtveladze. The Great Silk Road - Tashkent: Gosudarstvennoe nauchnoe izadtelstvo, 1999. - 280 p.
Annotation. The Great Silk Road has played a constructive role as a route for large trade caravans. This historical road, which came into being in the second century BC and served mankind until the 15th century AD, not only brought different peoples closer to each other, but also introduced the products of their hands to each other.
One of the branches of the Great Silk Road was through the Zerafshan valley, and this area was part of the craft activities of these inhabitants. Since ancient times, the handicrafts of the artisans of the Zerafshan Valley have spread throughout the world, and this spread of artisans’ products can be observed in our time.
The article examines embroidery and carpet weaving in the Zeravshan Valley, which is considered the birthplace of folk crafts. Patterns made in hand embroidery, decorations and carpets were studied. Among other things, suzani, veils and pillowcases were studied. Research was carried out mainly in the jamoats of the Zeravshan Valley, the villages of Magiyan, Shing, Farob and Veshab.
Key words: Silk Road, Zerafshan, folk craft, decorative - applied art, ornaments, carpet, suzani.
