Rishtan, Uzbekistan
Former Names: Dahbed, Humyn, Reshton, Rushdon, Roshidon, Rishdan
Altitude: 300 m above sea level
Popular languages Uzbek, Tajik
Time Zone: UTC+5
Nationalities Living: Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russians, Kyrgyz
International Telephone Code: +998 73
Postal Code: 1513XX
Vehicle Code: 40-49
Rishtan is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan and the country's main pottery center. Rishtan ceramics are renowned worldwide, with the city having been the largest hub for glazed pottery production in Central Asia for several centuries.
The works of Rishtan artisans are displayed in museums across the globe, while the city's own collection, consisting of hundreds of ceramic pieces, is sure to impress any visitor.
Located in the picturesque Fergana Valley, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, Rishtan is home to just over 50,000 residents. Nearly a thousand men are engaged in pottery, with around a hundred of them continuing the craft as part of a multi-generational family tradition.
How to Get to Rishtan
There are no direct air or rail connections to Rishtan.
The city can be reached by bus, shuttle bus, or private taxi from Kokand (45.5 km), Margilan (50 km), Fergana (60 km), and Namangan (120 km).
For those traveling by air, the nearest airports are in Fergana and Namangan. Regular flights operate to Fergana from Tashkent, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Surgut, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Baku, Dubai, and Istanbul. Namangan airport receives flights from Tashkent, Moscow, Sochi, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Perm, Nizhnevartovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Omsk, Samara, Makhachkala, Al Kuwait, Sharjah, and Dubai.
Train services are available to Namangan from Tashkent and Urgench, while Kokand can be reached from Tashkent, Khiva, and Termez. Margilan is accessible by rail from Tashkent, Termez, Khiva, and Samarkand. If traveling by car from Tashkent, the journey to Rishtan takes approximately five hours. The city is also accessible by private vehicle from any settlement in Uzbekistan.
Safety in Rishtan
Rishtan is a relatively safe city where it is generally safe to walk even in the late evening. However, as with any place, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended, as you are responsible for your own property.
Brief History of Rishtan
The first settlements in the area of modern Rishtan appeared in the first millennium BC, with early inhabitants primarily engaged in agriculture.
The city acquired its name in the 9th century. One version suggests that it originates from the Arabic word “Rushd” and the Persian “An,” meaning "wise man," forming "Rushdan" or "Roshidan." Another version links the name to "rush," meaning "red land," which seems more plausible, as Rishtan is home to deposits of reddish clay known as hoki-surkh. This unique clay has been used by local craftsmen for centuries to create the famous Rishtan ceramics.
Archaeological excavations confirm that pottery production in Rishtan dates back to at least the 9th century. Scientists have found numerous glazed ceramic items and ancient kilns from that period, proving that the local pottery-making techniques have remained unchanged for over 1,000 years. Historians also believe that Rishtan's ceramics were traded along the Great Silk Road, as caravans passed through the city. Before the 8th century, Rishtan was known as Humyn. The city's current name is believed to have been given by settlers from Reshtan, the former capital of the Seyid state. Some historians suggest that among these settlers were nephews of the Prophet Muhammad's father-in-law.
By the 20th century, Rishtan lost its status as a city and became a village (kishlak). In 1934, it was renamed Kuibyshevo, but in 1977, the settlement regained its city status and its historical name, Rishtan. During the Soviet era, many historical and archaeological sites in Rishtan were destroyed, with only a few buildings surviving. Additionally, ancient cemeteries were demolished as part of the Soviet policies.
Rishtan Attractions
The ancient Zoroastrian temple in Rishtan has been remarkably preserved over the centuries. Several centuries ago, it was converted into a korikhona—a place where people gathered to read the Quran. In the 19th century, the Khoja Ilgor Mosque was built next to the temple, incorporating the former Zoroastrian site into the Muslim religious complex. The korikhona remained unchanged, making it the only structure in Central Asia with cone-shaped architecture.
The Sohibi Khidoya archaeological site dates back to the 5th–10th centuries. Along with the ruins of an ancient settlement, visitors can also see the remains of an old cemetery.
The Hazrati Hizir Mazar is an old mausoleum, but its origins remain unknown. Despite this mystery, hundreds of women come here every year to pray for children and family well-being.
The International Ceramics Center is a major attraction for both foreign visitors and local residents. The center houses several workshops where master ceramists create unique pottery using traditional techniques. Rishtan is home to nearly a thousand potters, with a tenth of them continuing the craft as part of a multi-generational family tradition. Each master's glazing techniques are unique, passed down from father to son or from master to apprentice. Every piece of Rishtan ceramics is one of a kind, as both the molding and painting processes are done entirely by hand.
The museum at the International Ceramics Center is a must-visit, even for those unfamiliar with pottery. Here, visitors can see the differences between ancient and modern ceramics, as well as admire beautifully hand-painted dishes that reflect Rishtan's rich artistic heritage.
What to Buy in Rishtan
The best souvenir from Rishtan is undoubtedly its famous ceramics—including pialas (tea bowls), teapots, jugs, plates, and lagans (large serving dishes). Rishtan pottery is recognized worldwide, with pieces exhibited in museums in Russia, Japan, and other countries. In 2023, the album "Ceramics of Rishtan" was published by the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan. That same year, the First International Pottery Forum was held in Rishtan, attracting representatives from 30 countries.
The uniqueness of Rishtan ceramics lies in its signature blue glaze, "ishkor", which has no equivalent anywhere else in the world. Keep in mind that Rishtan pottery is also produced on a mass scale and sold in bazaars. If you want authentic handmade ceramics, it's best to visit artisans' workshops.
Aside from ceramics, Rishtan is also known for its Lazer rice, which is said to be softer than similar varieties from Khorezm.
Food lovers should also take home Rishtan patyr—large, muffin-like flatbreads baked only in this region. If you prefer smaller flatbreads, try gija, another specialty of Rishtan.
Best Time to Visit Rishtan
Uzbekistan enjoys many sunny and warm days, making March to October the ideal time to visit Rishtan. During this period, you are guaranteed pleasant weather for exploring the city's pottery workshops and historical sites. However, if you don't mind cooler temperatures, Rishtan can be visited year-round, as the city remains accessible and welcoming in any season.