Fergana valley

The Fergana valley is located on the east of Uzbekistan and the south of Kyrgyzstan, and from all sides is sorounded by mountain ranges: Chatkal in the north, Kurama in the north-west, Fergana – in the east, Alay and Turkestan - in the south. Syrdarya, the second largest river in Central Asia with many tributaries flows through the valley. It is known that 5-6 thousand years ago agriculture was already developed, here: pomegranates, vineyards, ginger, walnuts and cotton, they had become known in China only by the II century BC. In the Fergana valley the main trading transit from China to Europe - The Great Silk Road passed. The Fergana valley was known for its "heavenly horses" as they were called by the Chinese. Scientists proved that these horses were the progenitors of the famous Akhaltekins, and Arabian horses. In the Chinese chronicles of the II century BC., it is mentioned that on the territory of Davani (The Fergana valley) there were more than 70 cities, the largest of which had an area of 40 hectares. In the IX-X centuries Akhsikent, the capital of Fergana, was one of the largest trade centers, where coins were minted and the first-class steel was produced.

The famous medieval astronomer Akhmed-al-Fergani and Zakhiriddin Bobur (1525), the founder of the State of Great Mughals in India. The cities of the Fergana valley were destroyed after the invasion of the Mongolian and were restored in the ХVI century. In the ХVIII century in the Fergana valley the independent state – Kokand khanate with its capital in Kokand was established. The khanate strengthened steadily and by the end of the XIX century (before Russian invasion) it conquered the vast territory, including Zhetysu – “Seven Rivers” (the territory of today Kyrgyzstan and south-eastern Kazakhstan), Tashkent oasis, flat areas of Tajikistan.

Today the Fergana valley is the most densely-populated and the most fertile territory of Uzbekistan. The best cotton, watermelons, melons are grown here and Namangan apples are known far beyond Uzbekistan. The Fergana valley maintained the traditions of old craftsmen: ceramists, blacksmiths, and jewelers. Fergana is the biggest producer of natural silks.

Kokand was the capital of strong Kokand khanate in the XVI-XX centuries. The original palace of Khudoyarkhan (1871) - the last khan of Kokand preserved to these days. The regional historical museum is located in it. The majolica of original colors and patterns not found in other regions of Uzbekistan. Narbuta-Biy madrassah (1799) and Modarikhon mausoleum (1825) are also interesting.

Margilan - a small historic town near Fergana. In the Х century. this town was a center of silk production, where now the only Central Asian factory of handmade silk (khan-atlas) is located. Visitors can trace the technology of creating silk products from the cultivation of silkworms to dyeing of fabrics . And the tourists can buy original souvenirs as a keepsake. The complex Kaftarlik (1742) and the mausoleum of the saint Pir-Siddik are also interesting.

Andijan - the birthplace of Zahiritdin Babur, the founder of the dynasty of Great Mughals which reigned in India more than 400 years. Now there is the memorial park of Babur, the historical museum and the largest mosque in the Fergana Valley - Juma Mosque (XIX c.).

Rishtan – a small village, 50 km. from Fergana; it became famous thanks to the dynasties of ceramists. Here you can watch their work and buy original handicrafts as a keepsake.

Fergana valley

Uzbekistan tours

About Anur Tour

Uzbekistan

Our Services