Blacksmiths' museum workshop, the Kulyuta Karvansaray(16th c.)

Blacksmiths' museum workshop/ 27.05.2022

    Shokir Kamalov Sharifovich was born in September 10, 1946 in the city of Bukhara ,Uzbekistan. Number of students 10.Type of activity Metal products.From state awards 2004 Holder of the Order of Friendship.Exhibition-competition held in our country, participation in festivals in 1997, he won the Best Craftsman nomination at the republican stage of the Tashabbus-97 contest.Exhibition-competition, participation in festivals in foreign countries:International Competition "Masters on Work" in Pakistan in 1994, 2nd place, International Exhibition "Master-Apprentice" in Switzerland in 1995, 1st place, International Competition "Blacksmith" in the Czech Republic  Masters at Work ”competition was awarded the Golden Sangdon, which took 2nd place in the competition.  He has participated in exhibitions in France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Luxembourg, Ukraine, UAE, Germany.

(Shokir Kamalov Sharifovich )

About his master if a successor of the dynasty, a brief description of the dynasty My teacher, my father, master Sharif Kamolov, the blacksmith Kamolov dynasty begins with Shamsiddin Kamolov.  At present, I, Shokir Kamolov, are the successors of the 5th generation dynasty. They produce agricultural products, handcuffs, tweezers, scissors, knives, candlesticks, etc.

  

One of the main activities of the Bukhara museum-preserve is to revive and support traditional Bukharan handicraft.In 1992, the blacksmiths' museum-workshop, the only one of its type in Uzbekistan, was set up in the 16th - century Kulyuta karavansarai. The museum-workshop is a living museum. Not only could one learn there the history of the ancient blacksmith's craft, but also participate in making blacksmith products.Usto Shokir Kamolov, who comes of a family of blacksmiths, is the senior researcher of the museum. The museum-workshop has swords, knives, arrow-heads, and craftsmen's instruments. The exhibits of major interest are "Risola," blacksmiths' rules (19th c.), chain- mail (17th c.), a warrior's outfit(17th c.), and bellows (17th c.).

 

(#entrance)

The Blacksmith History Forge Museum is a short walk north of the Toqi Telpak Furushon Bazaar on Khakikat Street. The museum is located in the Kulyuta karavansarai which was built in the 16th century. Admission is free, and it is a rare treat to see a working blacksmith. Photos/Videos can be taken and you can stroll through the workshop to view finished goods and the tools of the blacksmith. The most impressive area is the urn shaped hearth with white handles, which had a fire inside.

 

(#inside of the workshop)

The blacksmith was working on a knife, and using his hammer to straighten it on the anvil. The sound of the hammer on the anvil and the smoky atmosphere made the shop feel as if it was transported back into ancient times. There were quite a few finished product hanging on the walls to view. We spent 15 minutes here and tried to stay away from the work area of the black smith whilst enjoying the experience. If you continue walking north on exiting the museum, several shops on the right have beautiful knives and metal craft.The museum was opened in 1992, and is the only museum of this type in Uzbekistan. This is a must see as you are walking through the old city.

(#inside of the workshop)

     Metal processing is one of the oldest human crafts . This is evidenced by numerous findings of metal products found during archaeological excavations . The metalworking craftsmanship of Central Asia was quite advanced , Abu Rayhan Beruni wrote that in the 10th century blacksmiths worked with four types of metal . In the inner part of the walls surrounding the neighborhood of the Ohangaron gate , is the Nuriddin Hilvati cemetery . Before the revolution , there were blacksmiths workshops , workshops for the production of knives and needles .

    In the Middle Ages , blacksmiths lived in Bukhara mainly in two places : in Amiri Sukhangaron Mahalla , Muhammad Yor Otalik and Magoki Kurpa ; in Akhtachi makhalla , this makhalla was located in the southern part of the Hiyobon massif , and was considered the outskirts of the city , as it was located within the limits of the outer gates of the city . The craftsmen living here specialized mainly in the production of locks. Mining and production of metal since ancient times were widely developed types of crafts in Central Asia . Blacksmith products consisted of household items and weapons . Bux Likki So ' Otar mah jant sha .  At the end of the XIX century , more than 150 blacksmiths worked in Bukhara . Currently , about 40 blacksmiths are working in Bukhara producing both household items and highly artistic items .

    Unique are those banners and leather flags , Distinguish who is friend and who is enemy A blacksmith Steps bravely ahead And leads the army countless . The way he points to great glory And for us leads To the new commander go the troops And stand up to the loud " cheers " Arrows fly above And the royal flag swaying upon the sky . Firdavsi " Shakhname "

    Separating the metal from the stone , He gained an invaluable skill So began the progress Flashing iron from ore Turning the blacksmith into the king of crafts The fruits of his work Steel ax , saw and hoe . Firdavsi " Shakhname "The production of forges consisted of both household items ( nails , knives , tools , brackets , keys , locks , boilers , etc. ) and weapons ( chain mail , arrowheads , swords , etc. ) Master Sharif Kamolov comes from the dynasty of blacksmiths . He learned the skill from his father the master Kamol son of master Ikrom Master Sharif , his brothers and their sons continue the family traditions of blacksmithing in the fourth and fifth generation .

Many families of blacksmiths lived in the Arabon neighborhood ( not far from the gates of Salla Khon and Zindan- the prison ) , in the Sufiyon and Murdashuyon neighborhoods . They specialized in the production of ketmen ( hoes ) . Manufacturers of shovels also resided in many mahallas , but they were a minority .The blacksmith's workshop was large and consisted of spacious verandas . The special device of a cubic form formed the basis of a forge . This device was built of mud brick , into which bottomless jugs were laid . In addition to this cubic device , there is also a special constantly heated hearth .