(...)
We continued "exploring" the UZbek crafts artistry by visiting several shops within the Tak-I-Telpak Furushan and Tim Abdullah Khan and sitting in through the various explanations, whether they were related to carpet weaving or calligraphy. Not being pushed into buying did have a positive effect on the way we reacted and in certain cases it led some of the people in group to actually buy some of the artefacts we were being shown.
Throughout every presentation I felt Uzbeks were (are) really proud of their traditions and the fact that they continue using the same old methods of fabrication and passing them onto either the youngsters in their family or having them learn some of those crafts as a generation to generation sort of approach.
As we were heading towards the Magok-I-Attari mosque, recognised as being one of the most ancient mosques of Central Asia, we walked by an area where some excavations were being carried out and preserved because of the historical importance therewith associated.
Its name is strongly associated with the fact that before the Arabian conquest the trade mark for the spices and herbs sellers (attars) was located at the site of the mosque. A considerable part of the monument is said to have been constructed in the 12th century. What is left of the façade in regards to décor is very interesting because of the combination of patterns and terracotta plates.
A 10th century historian, Narshani claimed that in the old times a mosque Mokh (Moon) was built on the place of the fire worshippers' temple, most probably a worshipping place for the God of Moon Sin, the patron of the Nomadic people (once the moon lights their way during the night). This cult is said to have been adopted by the local nomads in addition to other existing beliefs and twice a year in the presence of the Governor, trade fairs organised where wooden and clay idols were sold.
I do like legends despite the fact that they don't provide us with accurate scientific explanations ... I could almost instinctively "see" the nomads standing around this curvaceous masonry of glazed bricks as if it were then ...
As we strolled around the area on the way to the restaurant where we would be having lunch I still had time to talk to some young girls coming from school in their black and white uniform-like attire.
A group of four musicians were playing classical music as we entered the restaurant and continued throughout the whole meal. I feel it may not necessarily be the best performing space for listening to music and particularly one of good quality but I was tremendously impressed with their performance, particularly the leading violinist ... and in all honesty I don't recall what we had for lunch ... nor even having eaten ...
What great musicians they were !!!
(to be continued)
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