FERGANA VALLEY

This unique fertile picturesque valley is often called the Pearl of Central Asia. It is almost completely surrounded by Tien-Shan in the south and Gissar-Alai mountains in the north only in the west leaving a narrow way for Syrdaria river. Nourished by Syrdaria and the artificial channels Fergana is full of wonderful rich oasises where largest towns are – Fergana, Kokand, Andijan, Namangan.

Nowadays this is the most populated territory in Central Asia, aslo the most important industrial and agricultural region. The largest part of the valley is in Uzbekistan, some parts are located in Tajikistan and Kirghystan. This division appeared only in the early 20th century. Before that Fergana historically ethnically and geographically has always been just one region. Although the division between 3 states did not influence much the situation at that time, as all of them stated formed part of the Soviet Union. But as the USSR collapsed, the real borders between 3 different countries appeared and caused certain problems for the valley's infrastructure.

The ancient settlements appeared in Fergana valley about 6 thousand years ago. In 6 century BC the peoples of the valley had strong contacts with Southern and South-Western civilizations. In the 2 century BC the famous Silk Road ran through Fergana.

Around 500 BC the Fergana Valley formed a part of Sogdiana Region. In 329 BC Alexander the Great founded a Greek town on the southern part of Syrdarya, which is now Hudjand in Tajikistan. Further on the way he also stopped in ancient Uzbek town Margelan (now suburb of Fergana). In 10th century it was the largest city in Fergana valley famous all over Central Asia by its silk production. Nowadays Fergana is the second important industrial city in Uzbekistan after Tashkent.

Chinese diplomat Zhang Qian visited Fergana Valley it in 128 BC. Chinese called it Dayuan. At that time there were about 70 towns of different size. He noted that the region was quite well-developed with sophisticated urban civilization. The capital of Dayan was Erish, the ancient citadel located 30 km from modern Andijan, one of oldest cities in Fergana valley. In the 15th century Andijan was governed by Babur, the great poet, general who conquered India and founded Great Mogol Empire.

For a long time Kokand was the main city of Fergana Valley. It was the capital of a very powerful Kokand Khanate in the 18-19 centuries. 29 Khans ruled Kokand and the last one has finally accepted the Khanate to become a part of the Russian Empire in 1868. Kokand was also a religious centre of the region. There is famous Hudoyar Khan's palace, a huge complex of 119 rooms built in 1871 and decorated by the best masters of Central Asia. Facades of the palace are decorated with mosaics made of tiles, interiors are decorated with colourful paintings and carvings. Another interesting point Djuma Mosque is known for its 98 stone-wood columns. The 17th century Norbutabi Madrasah was opened again after the end of the Soviet Union it has now about 80 students.

Namangan is another special city in the valley. Nearby lies another ancient citadel Aksikent, which was the capital of Fergana till 13th century when it was ruined by Mongols. Namangan was founded in 1582 by Abdallah the Second and the first citizens were the prisoners he brought there during a succesfull military campaign. After the earthquake of 17th century the inhabitants of Askient also moved to Namangan. In the 18th century it became the regional administrative centre. In the beginning of the 20th century it was the second largest city in Fergana Valley and the centre of cotton production.