PAPER WORKSHOP "MEROS"

An old factory for the production of paper suitable for writing was built at the beginning of the 8th century near ancient Samarkand, in the village of Koni Gil. This type of handicraft appeared in Samarkand during the invasion of Central Asia by Chinese troops, who failed to win and were forced to surrender to the then Samarkand ruler Abu Muslim. Being conquered, Chinese artisans revealed all the secrets of making writing paper. Since then, Samarkand craftsmen began to apply the technology of dressing, and soon the production of paper became the most important type of handicraft in the city.

Samarkand paper is made from the bark of the mulberry tree and is famous for its strength, smoothness and whiteness, as well as the fact that it consumes little ink. But its main advantage is that, unlike modern paper, which becomes unusable after 100 years, Samarkand paper will serve for many centuries. That is why ancient ancient manuscripts and books have been able to survive to this day. Thanks to the special properties of such paper, you can make various souvenirs and crafts from it, as well as wash it.

In 1995, UNESCO proposed to revive and improve the old business. After studying numerous literature, the brothers Islam and Zarif Mukhtarov (sons of the famous figure of arts of Uzbekistan Abdurakhim Mukhtarov) opened a small workshop “Meros”, which means “heritage”, in the village of Koni Gil.