Kokand

Kokand is a city in eastern Uzbekistan, situated in the Fergana Valley near the border with Kyrgyzstan. It serves as an administrative center within Fergana Region and is one of the region’s historic urban centers. The city functions as a commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding agricultural areas and acts as a transportation and service center for the valley.

Historically, Kokand grew as a fortress town on the eastern edge of the Ferghana Valley. It rose as the capital of the Kokand Khanate, a regional state that controlled much of the valley and maintained trade links along Silk Road routes. In the late 19th century, Kokand was incorporated into the Russian Empire after military conquest, later becoming part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Since Uzbekistan’s independence, Kokand has continued to develop as a regional center.

Cultural heritage in Kokand includes monuments from the Khanate era, such as the Khan’s Palace and various religious and educational buildings. The historic core contains mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais that reflect the city’s historic role in regional trade. Local museums and cultural institutions preserve the region’s history, crafts, and architectural legacy, contributing to the city’s identity within the Ferghana Valley.

Economy and transportation in Kokand are shaped by agriculture, including fruit and cotton production, complemented by light manufacturing and trade activities. The city is served by a railway station and is connected by road to Tashkent and other Uzbek cities, making it a regional transport hub. Markets, educational facilities, and public services support both residents and surrounding communities.