Cities
Fergana valley
THE BEST ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS OF KOKAND
Khudoyarkhan Palace
Over 80 of the best masters of Central Asia have contributed their skills
to the Palace of the last khan of Kokand. Only two palaces and 19 rooms are still preserved.
A large ramp leads up to the dazzling multicoloured 70-meter-long façade with its unusual array of ornaments.
The alabaster carvings, painting, as well as extracts from the Koran — all these could be found
in decoration of the palace. A big mosque, relating at one time to the medressah,
is located in the eastern part of the palace. Today, the Kokand Museum of Ethnography
is located here making the visitors familiar to the history both of history and palace as well.
Dakhma-i-Shakhon Burial Vault Necropolis of the family of Omarkhans. Consists of three parts including the tomb premise with a portal, aywan-mosque and the family's cemetery. It was built by the poetess Nodira in honour of the poetic work of Omar.
Wooden doors are covered with extractions from the Koran and poetic works of Omarkhan.
Margilan, one of the ancient cities in the world, by the decision of UNESCO will celebrate its 2000th anniversary this year.
First time Margilan was mentioned in chronicles in 7th century. In 10th century,
it was already a centre of agricultural neighborhood. Development of agriculture and crafts
as well as growth of city promoted the revival of international trading.
Locating in south-east of Fergana Valley, Margilan is considered to be one of the ancient
cities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, as well as a big centre of international trade.
The caravan routes connected Europe with the East Asia via Margilan.
The beautiful silk fabric and the pedigreed horses have been the main goods on this route.
From time immemorial, population of Margilan was busy with manufacturing beautiful
silk fabrics making thus Margilan city well-known all over the world. Skilled craftsmen
obtained the fine threads of the silkworm cocoons for manufacturing marvelous
silk fabrics that have been in great demand in Euro-Asian countries.
In one's turn, it was very important for the historical and cultural development
of the city that have been and still remains to be a trade centre in Fergana Valley.
Syuzane (large-sized silk embroidery) and skullcaps (the national headdress),
as well as silver and gold articles are the best samples of Margilan traditional cultures reached our days.
ANDIJAN
Andijan district is located in eastern part of Fergana Valley and occupies territory of 4 200 square kilometers.
Climate is sharp continental with a big difference in winter and summer temperatures.
Population 1 899 000 people. Andjan district includes 14 administrative regions with Andijan as a center.
Asaka, Khanabad and Karasu are main centers of Andijan district.
Under the hot Asian sun, among the shady fruit gardens is located Andijan a pearl of Golden Valley, as ancient as Great Silk Road. City known from the 9th century is situated in the east
of Fergana Valley being surrounded by high mountains.
The ancient caravan road passed one's time through Andijan connecting China with Central Asia. Andijan served as the east gate to Fergana Valley. Along the banks of Karadarya river
a lot of caravan-serays were located that gave a life to Andijan city. Many different legends give interpretation of city's name. However, following to the explanations given by historians, name of the city comes from the Uzbek kin “Andi”.
Already in the 1st century Andijan was a part of Kushan khanate, in 9th-10th centuries it was a part of Samanids state. In 9th century Andijan has survived rapid development in all the spheres. In 15th century city is mentioned in chronicles as Andigan.
Andijan was ruled that time by Zahreddin Mukhammad Bobur — great state figure, scientist, poet, historian and the author of famous book “Bobur-nome” who was known later as a founder of great Mogul empire in India. Bobur's house is still reserved in Andijan being open for a lot of tourists.
In 16th century, Andijan was conquered by Sheibanids and became a part of Kokand khanate.
In 1902, strong earthquake happened in Andijan and many architectural monuments were destroyed in result.
But nevertheless, still there are some place for seesighting over there.
One of the must visit places in Andijan is Djami Complex that occupies territory in 1.5 hectares and includes madrassah,
mosque and minaret. Beginning from 1989, the Bobur museum is open for tourists.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS OF ANDIJAN
• Medrassah Djami
• Djuma Mosque
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