Ferghana
Fergana Valley is the most populated territory of Uzbekistan. One third of the residents from the whole Republic live in the area, as it consists of three major regions of the country - Ferghana, Namangan and Andizhan (with the cities of Ferghana, Margilan, Namangan, Shahimardan, Andizhan, Kokand and others). And small areas of neighboring states of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
By its natural beauty and abundance of greenery, Fergana Valley is the most beautiful among the regions of Central Asia. Along the entire perimeter, the valley is surrounded by the mountains of the Tayn-Shan and Gissar-Alai, which, like mighty warriors, lined up around the region and protected it from enemies. The beautiful oasis is fed by the waters of the Syr Darya and Naryn rivers, as well as by the snows of the Pamir-Alay range. That is why the blessed land prides itself on its extraordinary landscapes, flowering gardens and fertile soils. The lands of Ferghana Valley are rich in minerals. It produces and processes oil, gas, coal, iron, nickel, and copper ores.
Today, the administrative center of Ferghana Valley is the city Ferghana. The word “Ferghana” is translated as “diverse”. The city was founded in 1876 on the initiative of Russian General Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev. In general, the time of the formation and development of Ferghana can be divided into three epochs: pre-revolutionary, Soviet and modern (independent).
Before the city emerged, the army of the Russian Empire founded the first military fortress on this land, which was an important strategic point and reliable control on the territory of the former Kokand khanate. Subsequently, the first civilian settlements appeared in the fortress area, which over time formed the city. New areas were built on a clear plan, wide streets appeared, factories, plants and enterprises were built, and the city became the largest industrial area with a developed economy. Farming and animal breeding have risen to a new level. Production of handicrafts such as sericulture, weaving, pottery and much more has been resumed.
Fans of Oriental culture and art should definitely visit the Museum of Local Lore of the Ferghana Valley. Here is a large collection of both ancient finds and objects of Central Asian applied art from coinage, ceramics and embroidery to jewelry and weapons.