In Qatar, Uzbek master artist Toshev carries Bukhara’s artistic legacy forward

Qatar-based Uzbek master artist Davlat Toshev is working to keep Bukhara’s artistic legacy alive through the revival of endangered techniques, Gulf Times reported. As an artist in residence at the Museum of Islamic Art, Toshev has focused on preserving Bukhara’s unique heritage, including the nearly forgotten Abru-Bahor, or "Spring Cloud," paper-marbling technique.

This centuries-old art form combines paper marbling and miniature painting, deeply rooted in Bukhara’s cultural heritage. Toshev recognized the technique's near-disappearance in its historical homeland and became involved in reconstructing the traditional recipes and methods. He emphasized that preserving a vanishing tradition is not about enshrining it in a museum, but giving it life through practice, study, and passing it on to younger generations.

Toshev's broader preservation work includes miniature painting, classical calligraphy, and restoring historic books and manuscripts. At his Ustoz-Shogird Centre, over 100 students learn these disciplines under his guidance, striving to balance preserving tradition with encouraging creative freedom among younger artists. One of the biggest challenges is attracting young people to artistic disciplines that demand patience and concentration.

Another challenge is ensuring the transfer of master artists' accumulated knowledge directly to the next generation, as traditional arts cannot be learned solely from books. Toshev believes the survival of Bukhara’s artistic heritage depends on young artists embracing the traditions and introducing them to new audiences. His greatest achievement would be seeing the knowledge and love of art passed on to future generations, and he hopes Bukhara’s artistic traditions will be recognized globally, not just as part of Uzbekistan’s heritage, but as part of the shared cultural heritage of all humanity.

For Toshev, preserving roots is crucial – those who deeply understand their history and culture are best equipped to shape the future.