Termez

Termez celebrated its anniversary in April 2, 2002; it has a rich history. Termez played an important role in the culture development of the peoples of Central Asia. It is one of the oldest cities that made significant contributions to the development of the Great Silk Road, which in its time was the main crossroad of world civilization.
Buddhism and related architectural traditions spread namely through Termez in China and over Far East. Convenient strategic and geographical location of Termez attracted the attention of the rulers of many states. Therefore, it was repeatedly subjected to attacks from various conquerors. Termez was perished many times, and it rose from the ashes once again, regaining its former glory.
According to the legends, the founder of Termez is the first king of Bactria - Zoroaster. Even Iranian Achaemenids who conquered these areas in the VI century BC., called Termez the ancient city.
The earliest name of Termez which went down in history was Taramastha - Taramata (translated from Bactrian as "bank"). In 327 BC. Alexander the Macedonian having conquered Termez, called it by its name - Alexandria. After Alexander the Macedonian the founder of the Greco-Bactrian state Demetrius called the city “Demetris”. In the I century BC. because of the defeat of Greco-Bactrian state by Kushan Empire, Termez, according to the written sources, was named Ta-li-mi, and - Tu-mi (Tami) according to Chinese sources. Generally Termez reached a high level of development during the Kushan period (I century BC - III century AD.). During this time, Termez became one of the major cities through which India conducted trade with the West, North and East. A lot of Buddhist temples and Muslim mosques were built In Termez.
During the V-VI centuries BC. Termez at first was under the yoke of the Ephtalites, then under the Iranian Sassanids. Since the VII century the dynasty of the Termezshakhs had been ruling in Termez. In 705 the city was captured by the Arabs. In the IX-XII centuries Termez as a major feudal city became the administrative, commercial, craft, scientific and educational center. During this time the length of the fortifications of the city was 10 kilometers. It had nine gates. At this time world-famous writers, scientists and theologians worked in Termez.
In the IX-XII centuries. Termez was in possession of the estates of the Gaznevids, Seljukids and Karakhanids, and in 1206 it passed in order of the state of Khorezmshakh Muhammad. In 1220, after a two-day siege Termez was destroyed by the armies of Genghis Khan.
In the second half of the XIII century Termez was rebuilt again and developed in a new area. With the transition to the state of the Timurids the city continued its development and was named the "City - gulguda," that is "bustling city".
Termez continued to grow when it passed into the possession of the state of the Sheibanids. Recovery work of the fortress of Old Termez was carried out, prayer houses, mosques and minarets were built, and there was the development of science. Civil dissensions, wars in the second half of the XVIII century, and the struggle for the throne turned Termez into the ruins. The remains of city walls, the Buddhist religious cave complex of Kara Tepe (II-III c), complex Fayaz-Tepa, the remnants of the feudal city of the IX-XII centuries, Mazar – place of pilgrimage (mausoleum) of Khakim at- Termezi (XI-XV centuries.), the unique building Kirk -Kiz ("forty girls"), the ensemble of mausoleums of Sultan Saadat (XI-XVII cc.), Kokidor-Ata mausoleum (XVI century), Dzhakurgan minaret (1109), Archaeological Museum of Termez, and many Muslim and Buddhist buildings of different epochs are very interesting sights.
In the second half of the XVIII century in the south of Old Termez on the bank of the river Surkhandarya Pattakesar village appeared. In hundred years present-day Termez was built on its place. The origin of new Termez coincided with the tension between Russia and England. In order to strengthen the influence in these areas, Russia took a series of military campaigns in Central Asia.
Agreement dated September 28, 1873 transformed Bukhara emirate to the dependent on Russia country, and the additional agreement of 23 June 1888 resolved the problem of staying Russians in Termez and building fortifications here. From January 15, 1893 Termez had been given to the Russian government by the Emir of Bukhara. In order to protect Russia's interests a large number of military units was accommodated. Carrying out electrical lines, communication, telegraph, the railway construction contributed to the development of Termez and turned it into the military and strategic area on the Amu Darya river.
After the October Revolution of 1917 Termez did not lose its military and strategic importance. Many buildings and structures were built during the Soviet government in Termez. There was a development of education and science; culture and art flourished.
Since independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan Termez has become more beautiful, the city streets were widened, the roads were restored. The majestic buildings were constructed in the oriental style; the market, park, modern administrative buildings, sport complexes, theaters, cinemas and educational centers were resurfaced.

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