A fertile valley nestled in the southernmost corner of Central Asia, the Ferghana Valley is surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains to the north and the Gissar-Alai range to the south. It ranks among the most beautiful regions in the country. Framed by the Tien Shan mountains and traversed by the waters of the Syr Darya and Naryn rivers, the Ferghana Valley is a region naturally suited to agriculture and livestock raising.

A Glimpse into History

During the 8th century, Ferghana became the flashpoint of fierce rivalry between the Tang Dynasty and Muslim forces. This conflict culminated in the Battle of Talas in 751, where the Muslims emerged victorious.

In 1911, the province was divided into five districts. Today, the valley is shared among Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The Ferghana Valley Today

The Ferghana Valley is celebrated for its cities: Andijan, Ferghana, Margilan, Kokand, Chakhimardan, and Qo'qon, among others. Its historic monuments and distinctive architecture contribute to its enduring reputation.

The city of Andijan lies in the northeastern reaches of the region, cradled by mountains and rolling hills. Its population is estimated at approximately 380,000 inhabitants, making it one of the valley's most ancient cities. Indeed, archaeologists have uncovered artifacts in certain quarters of the city dating to the 7th and 8th centuries.

Andijan is an important industrial hub within the country. Manufacturing output includes chemicals, household appliances, footwear, spare parts for agricultural machinery, various engineering tools, and wheelchairs.

Kokand, situated to the west of Ferghana, earns the epithets "City of Winds" or occasionally "City of the Boar." Once the capital of the Khanate and the spiritual heart of the valley, it remains dotted with numerous madrasas and mosques.

According to European legend, Margilan was founded by Alexander the Great. The story goes that while stopping for lunch, he was served chicken (murgh, in Persian) and bread (nan, in Persian). Thus was the city's name born. Margilan served as a vital waypoint along the Silk Road. The city also earned renown for its craftsmanship, particularly its carpet and textile production—most notably Khan-atlas silk. Indeed, the city produces over 20 million meters of silk fabric annually.

Namangan, for its part, occupies the northern reaches of the valley, perched on the right bank of the Syr Darya river. Aksikent, the valley's former capital, lies some 25 kilometers from Namangan.

Ferghana is served by Ferghana Airport, which connects the valley to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, and Tashkent.