Just 13 kilometers from Samarkand lies the village of Konigil. Here, paper is still made by hand—almost exactly as it was a thousand years ago. It is believed that after the Battle of Talas in 751, the Arabs learned the secrets of papermaking. Among the prisoners were skilled artisans who revealed the techniques of their craft, and Samarkand soon became one of the first centers of paper production outside China. This is how the famous Samarkand silk paper emerged. Strong, smooth, with a soft warm hue, it quickly replaced parchment and papyrus. Decrees were written on it, miniatures were painted on it, and it was valued for the ability to produce the finest calligraphy. But by the late 18th century, wars brought most crafts into decline, paper workshops disappeared, and with them—the knowledge of papermaking.
Reviving a Tradition
It all began with a small workshop in Konigil in 1996. The Mukhtarov brothers decided to bring the ancient craft of silk paper back to life. Over the years, and with support from UNESCO, the place turned into a real craft oasis. An abandoned plot found new purpose: ceramic workshops opened, along with an oil mill, a watermill, and the Meros paper factory, which became a magnet for travelers and artisans.
The name Konigil means “clay mine,” a nod to the region’s long history of pottery. Today, visitors can not only watch but also take part: bake traditional bread, mold a clay cup, cook plov using flaxseed oil, or try zigir—a blend of sesame and flax oils pressed right on-site. Nearby stands charhpalak, an ancient wooden waterwheel powered by the local river.
The Magic of Craftsmanship
Visitors can observe the entire papermaking process firsthand—from softening the mulberry bark to drying and polishing the sheets. You can even make your own sheet of paper by purchasing a combined ticket with a workshop (about $2).
Useful Information
- Entrance and factory tour: $0.80
- Bus No. 1E from the railway station: 30–40 minutes, unlimited ticket — $0.50
- Taxi from central Samarkand: $2.40–$4
- Guided tours: about $50 per person
Interesting Facts
- In Konigil, remnants of a Timurid-era water supply system were discovered, through which water once flowed to Samarkand.
- Thanks to dense vegetation and the Siab River, the area stays cool even on hot days.
The factory operates on weekdays from 9:00 to 20:00.
