This paper examines the establishment of papermaking in Central Asia in the 7th to 8th century CE. Additionally, it examines the historical and contemporary status of papermaking in Uzbekistan based on primary sources gathered during a research trip, and historical sources. Both textual research and experimental papermaking research were conducted for this paper.
Designed as a foundation for further study, this paper includes early textual sources mentioning papermaking, information gathered from interviews, personal observations, and maps highlighting areas of importance.
The first part surveys the development of the discussion surrounding the establishment of the craft in the region. By combining early and contemporary research and highlighting and discussing new sources, possible scenarios of the establishment of papermaking in Central Asia are further investigated.
Pursuing this line of inquiry, the paper provides a full overview of the history and development of the different papermaking regions of Uzbekistan, following a detailed description of the tradition in the city of Kokand based on first-hand accounts from the early 20th century.
The second part of this paper includes a description of the author’s process of recreating historical tools, techniques and paper based on data and information gathered during the research trip as well as information drawn from historical sources. In addition, the author explores different theories such as the debate about which raw materials were used, and hypotheses regarding the development of the paper mould.