Economic Foundations in the Craft System "Master Student" of the Ferghana Valley of Uzbekistan at the Present Stage

This study examines the economic and social foundations of the traditional master–student (usta–shogird) system in the Ferghana Valley of Uzbekistan at the present stage. The objective of the research is to analyze the mechanisms of apprenticeship, the terms of training, forms of payment, and the economic incentives that sustain this institution. The methodology employed is qualitative, based on field observation, interviews with craftsmen, and analysis of historical and narrative sources. The findings demonstrate that despite modernization and the expansion of formal education, the master–student system remains a vital mechanism for knowledge transfer and skill development in crafts such as blacksmithing, embroidery, shoemaking, and pottery. The results highlight that apprenticeship is influenced not only by professional training but also by economic calculations, cultural norms, and moral obligations. The duration of training varies between 7–10 years, with blessings (duo) from the master serving as a critical legitimizing factor for independent practice. In conclusion, the usta–shogird institution has preserved its conservative structure while adapting to new socio-economic realities. Its persistence underscores the resilience of traditional economic systems and the importance of apprenticeship for cultural continuity in the Ferghana Valley.