International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
33
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijhps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue06 2025
PAGE NO.
33-36
10.37547/ijhps/Volume05Issue06-07
The Importance Of Carpet Weaving In The Development
Of Tourism Today
Naurizbaeva Nurjamal Kudaybergenovna
Karakalpak Scientific Research Institute of the Humanities, Karakalpak Branch of the Academy, Nukus, Republic of Uzbekistan
Received:
19 April 2025;
Accepted:
21 May 2025;
Published:
27 June 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the history, techniques, and contemporary significance of carpet weaving, which
has developed in the territory of Karakalpakstan since ancient times. Based on archaeological findings and
ethnographic studies, it is shown that carpet weaving originated as early as the Paleolithic era and evolved as a
means of cultural exchange between various ethnic groups. Special attention is given to the evolution of weaving
techniques
—
symmetric and asymmetric knots
—
as well as the common features of carpet weaving shared with
neighboring peoples. The article also analyzes government measures to support handicrafts adopted in
Uzbekistan and highlights the potential for involving the population in tourism through the development of carpet
weaving. Carpet weaving is presented not only as part of historical and cultural heritage but also as an important
resource for the development of the modern tourism industry.
Keywords:
Carpet weaving, ethno-tourism, Karakalpakstan, handicrafts, cultural heritage, symmetrical knot,
tourism potential.
Introduction:
Carpet weaving is a form of traditional
national craftsmanship that originated in ancient times.
Since our people have historically led a nomadic,
livestock-breeding lifestyle, they produced small
carpets made of felt or woolen threads, which were
used as bedding and were convenient to carry during
migrations. These provided comfort to the nomadic
population. Carpets, which initially emerged out of
necessity, later became part of everyday life and
formed the basis for trade relations. It is also worth
noting that numerous artifacts confirming the
existence of textile traditions have been discovered
during archaeological and ethnographic expeditions in
the territory of Karakalpakstan. This can be illustrated
by the following historical facts.
Archaeological expeditions have shown that in the
territory of Karakalpakstan
—
specifically along the
banks of the Amu Darya River, in the Aral Sea region,
and on the Ustyurt Plateau
—
agriculture, livestock
breeding, and fishing were practiced from ancient
times and played a major role in the economic life of
the population. Archaeological finds discovered in
ancient settlements located in these areas serve as
evidence of these claims. Ancient history, divided into
several periods, begins with the Paleolithic (Stone Age),
which occurred in different regions of the world at
various times and under different circumstances. For
example, in the Ustyurt region of Karakalpakstan,
people settled during the Mousterian era, and later
during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
Subsequently, nomadic Saka tribes also inhabited the
Ustyurt Plateau. Stone Age monuments discovered and
studied in the Ustyurt region indicate that people did
not live there permanently, but rather temporarily
occupied the area and hunted depending on the
season. During this period, there were numerous lakes
and springs with a high level of fresh groundwater
suitable for drinking. Despite these favorable
conditions, no evidence of permanent settlements has
been found, and signs of developed economic activity
are rare. The Ustyurt steppe served only as a temporary
refuge, as confirmed by numerous literary sources. In
the territory of Karakalpakstan, sites from the
Mousterian period include Esen-1, Esen-2, and
Karakudyk, located northwest of the Barsakelmes ridge
on the Ustyurt Plateau. While the Esen sites are
associated with the processing of stone tools,
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
34
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International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
Karakudyk was used as a seasonal hunting camp [1, p.
8]. It is also worth noting that although no permanent
settlements related to economic life have been found
in Karakalpakstan, during the Neolithic period (4th
–
6th
millennia BCE)
—
when livestock breeding and
agriculture became the dominant activities
—
a rich
culture began to take shape. In the delta of the
Akchadarya River lived tribes belonging to the
Kelteminar culture. Among their settlements, the site
of Jabash is particularly notable. It was here, in
Karakalpakstan, that the first signs of a complex
economy emerged.
An analysis of tools and faunal remains allowed
researchers to identify the Kelteminar people as
hunters and fishermen. V.I. Gromov states that wild
animals were predominantly found in the region,
including boars, deer, turtles, and birds [2, p. 60]. In the
Bronze Age (3rd
–
2nd millennia BCE), hunting and
fishing were gradually replaced by agriculture and
animal husbandry. According to S.P. Tolstov, the
population of the Tazabagyab culture engaged in
farming, as evidenced by cereal remains found in
dwellings. Bone material from bulls, sheep, and horses
was also discovered [3, p. 52]. At the same time, signs
of irrigated agriculture began to appear. The
development of agriculture, irrigation technologies,
and copper and bronze metallurgy led to cultural
changes in the Southern Aral Sea region. The cultivation
of industrial crops, in turn, contributed to the growth
of textile production. This is supported by
archaeological finds such as needles and pins with
round eyes at the Dzhekaparsan-2 settlement [3, p. 71].
Animal husbandry played a crucial role in the
emergence of textile craftsmanship. As a result of
archaeological excavations conducted in 1937
–
1938 at
the settlements of Burkit-kala, Uy-kala, Toprak-kala,
and Janbas-kala, researchers discovered leather
footwear and a piece of fine white felt covered with
multicolored wool fabric decorated with spiral
patterns. Although these findings relate more broadly
to textile production, they can be regarded as early
precursors of carpet weaving [4, p. 176].The
development of textiles facilitated contact with other
peoples, which in turn influenced the evolution of
carpet weaving as an art form. One clear piece of
evidence for this is the discovery of a pile carpet in the
territory of Karakalpakstan. For instance, fragments of
a woolen pile carpet were found in a room adjacent to
the memorial hall at Baraktam-1
—
dating to the 4th
–
5th centuries
—during excavations led by E.E. Nezarik’s
team. The carpet was dyed in blue, red, and golden
colors using plant-based dyes [3, p. 241]. Although
carpets have been found in the territory of
Karakalpakstan starting from the medieval period, this
does not mean that carpet weaving originated in that
era. The scholar A. Otemisov writes: "In the 19th and
early 20th centuries, weaving had spread to all
Karakalpak villages" [5, p. 80]. This indicates the
existence of close trade and cultural ties between
peoples, which undoubtedly influenced carpet weaving
techniques as well. The technique of carpet weaving
depends on the material used to make the carpet and
on methods characteristic of a particular region. One of
the oldest methods is weaving using loops. In its archaic
form, a looped thread is inserted into the weft base and
brought to the surface of the fabric [6, p. 32]. In other
cases, the pile is created on the base using knots placed
horizontally between rows of warp threads. The pile
thread is wrapped once or one and a half times around
the warp threads and then cut [7]. This method is
known as knotted weaving and is classified into
symmetric and asymmetric types [8]. The symmetric
method is also known as the Turkish knot or Ghiordes
(named after a city in western Turkey), and in some
sources, it is referred to as duochitma (double-layered
knot) [9, p. 183]. The asymmetric knot also has
different names depending on the region. According to
E. Tsareva, the symmetric knot was used by Turkmen
tribes, in particular the Yomuts, Imuds, and Igdys. This
knot was also used by weavers in Asia Minor, the
Caucasus, and, of course, the Karakalpaks
—
northern
neighbors of the Turkmens [10, p. 21]. The use of
similar carpet weaving techniques by both Turkmens
and Karakalpaks can be explained, in part, by their
cohabitation in the same region.
Hypothesis 1: Historical data indicate that the southern
shore of the Aral Sea
—
likely the ancient delta of the
Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers
—
was a central hub of
connections between ethnic groups. While the Yomuts
left this area during the time of the Oghuz, the
Karakalpaks, on the contrary, have lived here since the
1st millennium BCE and can be considered indigenous
inhabitants of the Aral Sea region. After some
Turkmens departed with the Oghuz, the Karakalpaks
possibly continued to develop carpet weaving based on
earlier traditions [10, p. 25]. This is confirmed by a pile
carpet made using the "duochitma" technique, found
at the Baraktam-1 settlement in the Takhtakupyr
district [3, p. 72].
Hypothesis 2 suggests the preservation of the same
weaving technique by both peoples throughout their
existence under various dynasties that ruled Central
Asia. Since the invasion of the Achaemenid dynasty (6th
century BCE), a large territory of Khwarezm
—
including
the
lands
of
modern
Karakalpakstan
and
Turkmenistan
—
came under their control [11, p. 196].
Although the influence of the Achaemenids on the
production of pile carpets is not confirmed, the earliest
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
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International Journal Of History And Political Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2222)
examples of such carpets date back to this period [12,
p. 402]. In the 4th century BCE, the lands of Khwarezm
passed to the realm of Alexander the Great, and later
to the Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms [13, p. 76].
Scholars believe that Bactria was one of the main
carpet centers of the ancient world. E. Gül writes:
“Bactria was one of the largest centers of carpet
weaving, especially known for its embroidered and pile
(including knotted) carpets with rich ornamentation”
[14, p. 21]. Bactrian carpets were distinguished by the
use of various knots, predominantly of the asymmetric
type with an open left side. Some examples were made
exclusively using the symmetric technique [15, p. 78].
This suggests that the technique shared by the
Karakalpaks and Turkmens may have been borrowed
from the Bactrians. Thus, although the aforementioned
information pertains to the history of carpet weaving
or the origin of its techniques, it reflects connections
between different peoples. Therefore, carpet making
cannot be considered the heritage of a single ethnic
group. Crafts that demonstrate these ethnic ties
directly create broad opportunities for tourism
development. This is because most tourists explore
many cultures through comparative study and discover
new histories. As a result, a number of decrees and laws
have been adopted in our country aimed at promoting
our handicrafts in cooperation with neighboring
countries. The adoption of the Presidential Decree of
the Republic of Uzbekistan No. UP-5242 dated
November 17, 2017, “On
measures for the further
development of handicrafts and comprehensive
support of craftsmen” has created new opportunities in
the sector [16]. By decree, citizens and families
engaged in handicraft activities receive comprehensive
support, especially for craftsmen starting their work.
This includes the improvement and increased efficiency
of "Ustashogird" schools and, on this basis, the creation
of new jobs; assistance to handicraft entities with state
registration, allocation of land plots and buildings,
connection to engineering networks, and ensuring an
uninterrupted supply of equipment, tools, raw
materials, and supplies; provision of preferential loans.
In cities and districts where folk crafts and creative
traditions are widely developed, centers for craft
development are being established, unique types of
handicrafts are being restored and further developed,
and market infrastructure is being formed to deliver
handicraft products to consumers. The decree also
promotes the export of handicraft products and the
introduction of national crafts to foreign countries. It
outlines measures to support the presentation of
national craft products at exhibitions and fairs [16].
Additionally, for the further development of tourism,
the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan
No. UP-91 dated June 12, 2023, "On measures to
involve the population in handicrafts and create
favorable conditions for the development of handicraft
activities," was adopted. The purpose of this decree,
stated in the introduction, is to create favorable
conditions for the development of handicrafts in our
country, in particular, improving the taxation system
for craftsmen, ensuring uninterrupted supply of
necessary raw materials and financial resources,
creating infrastructure, expanding markets for
handicraft products, and broadly involving the
population in handicrafts. Clause 11 of the document
approves a list of exhibitions, festivals, and
international conferences on various handicraft sectors
to be held in 2023
–
2024, according to Appendix No. 3.
According to this, at least two events are planned in
each region. Notably, in August 2023, an exhibition of
carpet weaving titled "History Written on Carpets" was
held in the city of Khiva, Khorezm region [17].
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, history is not only about knowing oneself
and one’s people; it should be viewed as a tool that
promotes unity, friendship, and peace among nations.
Ethnotourism plays an important role in strengthening
such historical ties. At the foundation of ethnotourism
lies handicrafts.
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