Marguilan is Uzbekistan's silk capital. Over 2,000 years old and nestled in the Fergana Valley, this city has been renowned for this exquisite fabric since the 7th century. It was a vital stop on the Silk Road.

History

A European legend recounts that Marguilan was founded by Alexander the Great. The city's name is said to derive from a meal this conqueror ate during a rest stop. It was reportedly chicken ("murgh" in Persian) and bread ("nan").

Marguilan became an important point on the Silk Road in the 11th century. In the early 16th century, Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty, praised its inhabitants, describing them as spirited.

After the fall of the Kokand Khanate in 1876, the city was annexed by the Russian Empire and designated as the administrative centre of the eponymous ouiezd, which was part of the Fergana Oblast. It housed a silk mill as well as numerous other factories during the Soviet era.

In 2013, Marguilan had a population of 291,713 inhabitants, forming an agglomeration of half a million people with the city of Fergana, situated some ten kilometres to the south-east.

What to See in Marguilan?

1. The Yodgorlik Silk Factory and Rasuljon Mirzahmedov's Workshop

The Yodgorlik silk factory is a must-see attraction in Marguilan. Here, you'll discover the entire artisanal silk fabric-making process, from cocoons to the finished product. Rasuljon Mirzahmedov's workshop offers the same experience, but in a more picturesque setting, with the added discovery of wood-block printing techniques.

2. Kumtepa Bazaar

This bazaar is located 5 km from Marguilan's city centre. It is one of Central Asia's most vibrant markets. It takes place on Thursdays and Sundays. You'll find silk fabrics, household goods and fresh produce.

3. The Mausoleum of Khodja Maggiz

The Khodja Maggiz mausoleum displays uncommon architecture compared to other monuments of its kind in Central Asia. The building is crowned by a dome 4.4 m in diameter supported by a faceted drum at the base and cylindrical at the top. Smooth rectangular panels with floral relief motifs adorn its façade.

This tomb was built in honour of Arab warrior chief Ibn Maggiz Zhabal, a servant of the Prophet who is said to have been sent to the Fergana Valley to preach Islam.

4. The Pir Siddiq Complex

This architectural ensemble, comprising a mosque, a minaret, a courtyard with a tomb, a portal and a dovecote, dates from the mid-18th century. It was built in honour of Saint Pir Siddiq.

Legend has it that this saint found refuge in a cave obstructed by pigeon nests when fleeing Turks who were pursuing him. When they passed the cave, the pigeons would nest peacefully there, showing no signs of nervousness. They would continue on their way. This legend gave rise to the complex's alternative name, "Kaptarlik", which means "pigeon".

5. The Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah

Built in the 19th century, the Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah is one of the city's most recent monuments. It abandoned traditional architecture to embrace Oriental and European styles. Comprising, among other things, the madrasah itself and a mosque, this complex stands out for the proportionality of its elements and harmony in its composition.

The establishment remains functional. However, the cells once destined for students are now occupied by weaving, gold embroidery, embossing and woodcarving workshops.

6. Chakar Mosque and Toron-Bazaar Mosque

Chakar Mosque was built on the ruins of an earlier place of worship. The religious building impresses with its magnificently decorated ceilings featuring paintings that testify to the craftsmanship of artisans in the Fergana Valley.

Toron-Bazaar Mosque is another notable monument in the city, although it features modest décor. It nestles near Marguilan's market, to which it owes its name.

Practical Information

When to Visit?

The region is favourable for tourism in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are mild and pleasant. These seasons allow you to avoid the peaks of summer heat and winter frost.

Marguilan is situated on a railway line departing from Tashkent and stopping in Andijan, passing through Kokand and Pop. Economy class travel costs approximately 700,000 som if you depart from Uzbekistan's capital.