Bukhara Silk Carpet Workshop

Overview

Several traditional silk carpet workshops operate near Lyabi-Hauz, offering visitors the chance to watch artisans hand-weave the intricate Bukhara carpets that have been prized across the world for centuries. The workshops also produce natural silk using traditional dyeing methods.

Highlights

• Live Weaving: Watch women at full-size looms creating carpets knot by knot — a single carpet can take months.
• Natural Dyes: See how traditional dyes are extracted from pomegranate, walnut, onion skin, and indigo.
• Silk Production: Some workshops show the full process from silkworm cocoon to finished thread.

History

Bukhara has been a centre of carpet weaving and silk production for over a thousand years. The distinctive Bukhara carpet patterns — deep red backgrounds with repeating geometric gul (flower) motifs — became world-famous through Silk Road trade. The craft tradition survived the Soviet era and has experienced a revival since independence.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Purchases directly from the workshop support artisan families — prices are fair and negotiable.
• Tip 2: Free to visit and observe — no obligation to purchase.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.