A delegation of Azerbaijani media representatives currently visiting Uzbekistan toured the Silk Road Samarkand international tourist center, one of the country’s largest tourism projects. Twenty representatives from Azerbaijan’s leading media outlets are participating in the press tour. Among the participants is Emin Aliyev, editor-in-chief of the Trend International News Agency.
The complex is located along the Samarkand Irrigation Canal and covers approximately 260 hectares. Eight hotels have been built here, capable of accommodating more than 3,000 guests at a time, along with 14 villas, restaurants, parks, recreational areas, and an international convention center. The 2.2-kilometer-long rowing canal is one of the complex’s central features.
The “Eternal City” historical and ethnographic park holds a special place within Silk Road Samarkand. Covering an area of about 11 hectares, it recreates the atmosphere of an ancient Eastern city with narrow streets, squares, artisan workshops, cafes, galleries, and venues for cultural events. The project concept was developed with the participation of renowned Uzbek artist Bobur Ismoilov.
The architectural designs blend motifs from Parthian, Hellenistic, and Islamic cultures. The press tour participants visited Firdavs Umarov’s workshop, where the tradition of making Samarkand silk paper is being revived. According to the master craftsman, he has devoted 25 years to reviving this craft.
The paper is made from mulberry bark without any chemical additives: the raw material is boiled, ground, shaped into sheets, and pressed, after which each sheet is polished with a stone. The entire process takes several days. Thanks to its durability and smooth surface, it was used for manuscripts, calligraphy, and miniatures,” the master said.
Journalists also got acquainted with the secrets of making Samarkand ceramics. One of the masters, Sharif Azimov, a ceramic artist and potter from the Uzbekistan Academy of Arts, explained that he has been practicing this craft for 56 years. Speaking about his creative journey, Sharif Azimov noted that his interest in the craft began back in his school years.
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