Kokand
"A beautiful place" - the city of Kokand (translated from Uzbek.).
Khukande or Khavokande, as Kokand was formerly called, was once the great capital of the Kokand Khanate, which existed from 1709 to 1876 on the territory of the modern countries of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, southern Kazakhstan and East Turkestan.
The city had a great importance for the country in the economic and political sphere, as it connects two roads leading to the Ferghana Valley. Kokand is based on the fertile land of the Syr Darya River and is the second largest city in the Ferghana Valley.
The first chronicles about Kokand were found in the tenth century AD. In that time, it was written there the city was like a paradise, immersed in greenery with its lush gardens, with abundant of crops, famous for artisans and magnificent caravanserais. And the city stood at the crossroads of the main roads, along which caravans of the Great Silk Road stretched for hundreds of kilometers, going from Europe to India, China, Persia and the Middle East. Kokand was getting rich with the help of merchants and noble guests and was growing very fast. 35 madrasas and over 300 mosques were erected in the city, but many of them, unfortunately, have been disappeared. During that time, Kokand firmly secured the title of religious, political and cultural center. The city blossomed and was known far beyond the borders of the country.
But, in the history of Kokand, there are many difficult periods. Repeatedly prosperous city was captured, became the goal of the conquerors of the Arab caliphate and the Mongol yoke, was a member of endless internecine conflicts, suffered defeats and numerous destruction of the historical heritage.
However, after joining to Russia - Kokand resumed active development. Most of the city lined up again from the "Nikolaev" baked brick. It was built so many banks that their number exceeded even Tashkent. So soon the city regained the status of a business and financial center.
Modern Kokand is a city with a dynamically developing social and economic infrastructure. Every year a number of travelers who want to see the most famous sights of Kokand is growing.
One of the most visited places in the city is the seventh residence of Khudoyar Khan. The decoration of the palace amazes the imagination with its luxury. Today the museum of museum of regional history was founded here. The collection includes works of art of Kokand, clothing, weapons, and archaeological finds.