Sometimes, all we need to be happy is to look at familiar things in a new way. Just 13 km. from Samarkand there is one special place - the tourist village of Konigil.
The place is famous for its unique handicraft traditions, pure nature, shady trees, and the Siab River flowing nearby. But perhaps the main attraction of this corner is the Meros factory, where paper production is carried out.
The paper mill was founded by the artisan brothers Mukhtarov. Thanks to them, the factory revived and established the production of paper using the ancient method - a technology used long before the advent of paper-making machines. The main feature of this technology is manual labor, which uses exclusively natural raw materials. For this reason, the paper turns out to be slightly yellowish in color, because it is not bleached with chemicals. The strength of the paper differs significantly from modern bleached paper. Compare: an ordinary sheet can be stored for 40 years, and Samarkand paper is ten times longer - 400 years.
In order to see with your own eyes the process of making Samarkand paper, excursions are organized to the factory. Here you can walk through the picturesque area, see a water wheel - charkhpalak, and sit in a traditional teahouse by the river. Any guest is welcome here, so they will definitely offer to try Samarkand pilaf and local fruits
Of course, at the factory they will introduce you in detail to the production technology and demonstrate products made from Samarkand paper - these are magnificent souvenirs, postcards, notebooks in the national style, handbags, dolls and even dresses. You can buy your favorite products in the souvenir shop at the factory.
It is worth noting that Samarkand paper is used not only for making souvenirs, but also for restoring ancient manuscripts. Such paper is ordered throughout Uzbekistan and abroad
The village of Konigil is planned to be expanded soon. New tourist routes, guest houses and craft centers will appear here.
For example, the production of ceramic products, carpentry, and the production of vegetable oil using ancient technologies will be established. Guests will be able to see the process of growing Samarkand rice. Entertainment and cultural programs will be organized in the village, where guests will be able to try pilaf from Samarkand rice and butter, listen to performances on national musical instruments and take part in the making of pottery.
