Bokhtar

Bokhtar is a city in southern Tajikistan, serving as the administrative center of Khatlon Region. It was formerly known as Qurghonteppa, and was renamed Bokhtar in the 2010s as part of a government renaming initiative.

Geography and climate: It lies in the Vakhsh River valley, in a lowland area of Tajikistan's south. The city experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cool winters; precipitation is moderate and mostly occurs in spring and autumn.

Economy and infrastructure: Bokhtar is a regional administrative, commercial, and transportation hub. Its economy traditionally relies on agriculture from the surrounding valleys, including crops such as cotton, grain, and fruits, supplemented by trade, small-scale manufacturing, and public services. The city is connected by national roads to Dushanbe and to southern border regions, and serves as a key market town for the surrounding districts.

History: The area has long been a local center of commerce and governance. During the Soviet era it developed as an administrative and industrial town within the Tajik SSR. After Tajikistan gained independence, the city continued to function as the region's main political and administrative center.

Culture and institutions: Bokhtar hosts regional government buildings, educational institutions, and cultural facilities. Markets, mosques, and a regional museum reflect the city's role as a crossroads of Central Asia south of the capital. The city also serves as a transport node for the Khatlon region, with bus services linking to other major towns.