Fergana regional administration

The event was attended by potters, representatives of international organizations, community elders, activists, and the general public.

At the ceremony, the Governor of the region, Khayrullo Bozorov, warmly congratulated the participants on the International Handicrafts Festival being held in Kokand and the International Pottery Forum being organized for the second time in Rishton. It was noted that two territories of our region, with their ancient history and great civilization, are today hosting prestigious gatherings, and that over 100 of the most renowned and talented potters from 26 countries are taking part in this event in Rishton district.

It was emphasized that granting Rishton—already famous as a pottery center not only in our country but throughout Central Asia—the title of “World Craft City” is a significant event. According to the decision of the World Crafts Council, in previous years the ancient cities of Kokand and Margilan were awarded the status of “Craft Cities,” and conferring the same title on Rishton district is a high recognition of our eternal traditions and values passed down through generations over centuries.

Products created by Rishtan master potters are distinguished by their design, natural colors, and the richness of pepper-shaped ornaments. Today, these traditions are continuing at a new stage. An International Pottery Center has been established here. Currently, nearly 40,000 young people in Rishton are learning the art of pottery. The successors of such renowned masters as Ibrohimjon Komilov, holder of the honorary titles “People’s Artist of Uzbekistan” and “People’s Master of Uzbekistan,” Bobojon Nishonov, “People’s Artist of Uzbekistan,” and Sharofiddin Yusupov, “Honored Art Worker of Uzbekistan” and member of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, are actively working in Rishton and its surrounding villages to promote traditional pottery.

Artistic pottery works by Rustam Usmonov, Alisher Nazirov, Shokirjon Ahmadjonov, Ravshanjon Tojidinov, Tohir Haydarov, Muhayyo Sattorova, Yuldoshali Polvonov, and others are showcased in exhibitions across the world, drawing the attention of the global community with their brilliance and unique patterns.

At the event, special gratitude was expressed to the President of the World Crafts Council, Mr. Saad al-Qaddoumi, for his close support in promoting our applied art internationally and for his great contribution to the conferral of the title “World Craft City.”

On the eve of the forum, another important event took place for Rishton district: the World Crafts Council officially awarded Rishton the honorary title of “World Craft City.” The President of the World Crafts Council, Saad al-Qaddoumi, emphasized that this title represents one of the important steps in further strengthening Rishton’s position in the world.

During the event, foreign experts also spoke, highlighting the criteria considered in granting this status. The President of the World Crafts Council, Saad al-Qaddoumi, ceremoniously presented a special certificate to the Governor of Rishton district, Bahodir Kholiqov.