In the north of Tajikistan is the city of Khujand, it is located in the picturesque valley of the Syr Darya. Today, Khujand is the largest cultural and industrial center of the country, and also ranks second in terms of population. An important transport hub is concentrated in Khujand, here is the scientific, economic, political and cultural center of Tajikistan. The city also has its own railway transport and airport. Today the official name sounds like Khujand, because it used to be called Khujand until 1936. At the same time, this year, it was named Leninabad, in honor of the Leader Lenin. In 1991, Tajikistan became an independent state, so the city returned its historical name, but it already sounded like Khujand. What city is called?

City `s history

Khujand has a long history. Therefore, in the old days, writers, poets and scientists called it the "Crown of the World." Initially, during the period of the Kayanid king Kaykubod, the city itself was founded. Only its heyday falls on the reign of the Persian king Darius from the Achaemenid dynasty. When Alexander the Great conquered the city, he renamed it Alexandria Eskhata, which means Extreme Alexandria. In the works of travelers, geographers and medieval historians, Khujand is mentioned as a settlement of generous and generous people, a city where crafts and science are well developed. Thanks to its excellent climate, there are fertile gardens and fields. Historians and scientists testify that in ancient times precious metals were mined in the mountainous regions of Khujand.

Natives of Khujand are members of the families of the Oli Khujand dynasty, they enjoy special reverence and respect in the East. Some of them worked in high government positions, were cultural figures. Also, the famous Great Silk Road passed through Khujand, which allowed the city to maintain contact with other leading countries. Thus, spirituality and economy developed. Traders of Khujand sent the best works of city artisans to other countries. And they themselves brought the latest achievements of the world in civilization and science.

Sights of Khujand

Tourists are first of all sent to the Khujand fortress, which in history was noted as part of the fortification system of Khujand. The fortress was founded in the sixth or fifth centuries BC. During the period of archaeological excavations, experts discovered that initially the fortress was surrounded by a bulk rampart, then the thickness of the mud was raised with a wall. The constituent elements of ancient Khujand include the citadel and the city, they had their own fortress walls, which were surrounded by a deep and wide ditch, and the ditch itself was filled with water. When the troops of Genghis Khan attacked the city, the heroic defense of the Khujand fortress became a significant event. But still it was destroyed by the Mongol invasions. By the 15th century, the fortress was in ruins. However, in the same period the fortress was restored.

Another interesting historical landmark is the Masjid Jami mosque. This building consists of numerous columns and is an excellent example of 15th century architecture. This mosque is distinguished by a surprisingly harmonious way, because it was made in a kind of synthesis of the building culture and decorative art of Khujand.

In 1996, a monument to Kamol Khujandi was erected. That year the 675th anniversary of this famous poet was celebrated. The monument itself is installed on the Star Square of Khujand. Wings are used as the background of the image, they symbolize the person and the inspiration of poetry. In order to fully show the lifestyle of this spiritual rich man who traveled a lot, the sculpture was specially created without shoes. In general, it is worth noting that the sculpture of the poet corresponds to the canons of beauty of the human body.

Tourism

In addition to the ancient sights in Khujand, tourists are offered several types of active tours. For example, the famous Kairakkum reservoir is located near the city. This reservoir arose on the Syrdarya River during the construction of a hydroelectric power station. A mild climate prevails here, so the local nature is distinguished by its unusual beauty. And thanks to the transparent surface of the artificial lake, you can actively relax on its territory. Tourists and locals prefer boat trips, exciting fishing trips, and sightseeing tours around the archaeological excavation area are also organized from here.

Climbers come to Khujand to go to the Ak-Su region, which is located near the city. The beauty of virgin nature is felt in this mountain range; extraordinary mountains are spread here, which are made of dense granite. The height of some mountains reaches more than five thousand meters. Therefore, so many tourists flock here, especially in winter.

It is noteworthy that the gates of the city are open for guests around the clock. Any traveler can have a good rest in this city; new trade relations are developing excellently here. In addition, in Khujand you can walk through the colorful oriental bazaars, where various handicrafts are sold. Although there are many souvenir shops and large shopping centers in Khujand. By the way, it is worth haggling in the markets, this will show respect for the seller.

a , lies at an altitude of more than 300 m above sea level in a fertile oasis formed by the delta the Syrdarya river. Today Khujand one of the largest industrial and industrial centers of the republic, the most big city of Northern Tajikistan and the second largest in the country.

The city covers an area of ​​25 sq. km, where 155 thousand people of 20 nationalities live compactly.

Historically Khujand is one of the most ancient cities in Tajikistan. It is known from reliable sources that an archaic settlement existed here during the reign of the Ahmenid dynasty, which is much earlier than the arrival in these parts. Alexander the Great.

Due to its advantageous geographical position, Khujand more than once had to be in the center of various historical events. In ancient times, the city survived the invasion of many treacherous invaders: Alexander the Great who renamed it to Alexandria Eskhata, Arabs who brought Islam, horde Genghis Khan who sow destruction and death.

However, there were also positive moments in the fate of the city. Located at the crossroads of trade roads, Great Silk Road, Khujand since ancient times was one of the most important economic, cultural and military-strategic objects in Maverannahr e. Crafts and trade were well developed here, and as a result, favorable conditions were created for science and culture. The ancient city is the birthplace of famous astronomers, doctors, mathematicians, historians, musicians and poets. The most famous people of that time lived and worked here, such as Abumahmud Khujandi- head and founder of the local school of astronomers, Kamoli Khujandi- the author of well-known gazelles, Mahasti- the famous poetess, dancer and musician, singer and composer - Sodirkhon Khofiz,great traveler - Khoja Yusuf eminent statesmen Tehmosi And Temurmalik, as well as many, many others.

In 1866, during a military operation, the city, as part of other Central Asian territories, was annexed by tsarist Russia. A branch of the railway was stretched here, linking Khujand with Tashkent which gave a powerful impetus to the development of industry in the region.

In 1916, the city was the first in Central Asia began to revolt against the policy of tsarist Russia, the mobilization of the local population to the fronts of the First World War.

In early 1918, Soviet power was established here, and in 1929. Khujand joined the Tajik SSR.

Modern city- diversified industrial hub and administrative center Sughd region Tajikistan a, one of a placer of pearls Ferghana Valley. It is unusually beautiful here: majestic mountain landscapes, unhurried waters of eternal Syr Darya, crystal clear air, the emerald attire of the city, an abundance of vegetables, fruits and other gifts of the generous Tajik land. All this makes Khujand is unusually attractive for tourists especially since there is so much to see in the city.

Sights of Khujand.

Monument to Kamol Khujandi

The monument was erected in 1996 and dedicated to the 675th anniversary of the birth of the poet, thinker and traveler. The sculpture, created by K. N. Nadyrov, depicts a sitting barefoot poet, peering hopefully towards the setting sun, where his home was. Behind Khujandi, two huge wings are stretched out as a symbol of inspired poetry and the purity of human thoughts. …

Khujand fortress

Once, this citadel was an integral part of the ancient city, presumably founded in the VI-V centuries. BC e. In those days, the fortification was surrounded by an artificial rampart, later, in its place, a multi-meter wall of mud brick appeared, the remains of which to this day surround the territory of the ancient city, found under the central part of the left-bank Khujand. However, …

Mosque Masjidi Jami

Beautiful cathedral mosque of 1512-1513. - a magnificent example of the interpenetration of decorative art and the building culture of Central Asia. Particularly good is the 30-columned openwork aivan adjacent to the eastern wall of the mosque, some of the columns of which are covered with surprisingly fine carvings. In the northeastern part of the spiritual complex there is a traditional minaret with a domed lantern…

Historical monuments of Khujand.

“Who knows that the first law of history is to be afraid of any lie, and then not to be afraid of any truth?”

Cicero.

Photo tours in Khujand.

According to Greek historians, in 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded a fortified fortress on the Syr Darya River, named after him. Subsequently, due to its favorable geographical and strategic position, the fortress began to be intensively populated, turning into a large city in terms of its size, which is known in history as Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata).
The question of the exact location of this ancient city worried scientists from various countries of the world for several hundred years, and only in the middle of the 20th century was the identity of Khujand of the 4th century BC and Alexandria the Extreme (Eskhata) of 329 BC confirmed.
Occupying a favorable geographical position in the Fergana Valley, Khujand prospered for a long time, grew rich, built palaces, mosques, citadels. In the XIII century, Khujand was captured and destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan.
In the late XIV - early XV centuries, Khujand, together with the region, was part of the state of Timur (Tamerlane). In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Khujand greatly expanded, turning into one of the largest cities in Central Asia, not inferior in territory to Kokand and Bukhara.
Khujand of the late 19th - early 20th centuries was a typical Central Asian city with crooked and narrow streets, along which adobe houses huddled one to another, with noisy bazaars and rows of all kinds of handicraft workshops.
Khavakant (City of the Sun), Alexandria Eskhata (“Extreme”, which belonged to Macedonian), Khujand (surviving Genghis Khan and Tamerlane) - all these are the names of one city, which is already more than 2500 years old.
He wakes up earlier than the capital: even before dawn, people are hurrying on the streets on business. Farmers bring goods to the famous Panchshanbe market. In the evening, when it gets dark, there are rides in the parks and a lot of people walking with their families.
One of the versions says that the name of the city comes from "hub jan" - "good people". I am a native of Dushanbe, and I will not say that Khujand is better in everything; but in many things it surpasses the capital.
A little cleaner, more cultured, friendlier, more circumspect and smarter. There is a very strange place in the center of the city. Near the dilapidated mosque (I was told that it is about 350 years old) there is a powerful ancient tree.
It smells like time from him. According to legend, Tamerlane planted it. Be that as it may, the place is so unusual that it is worth visiting and feeling the spirit of history. The city has an ancient history. According to many historians and archaeologists, the legendary city of Alexander-Eskhata (Alexandria Extreme) was built by Alexander the Great on the site of present-day Khujand (V century BC).
Since ancient times, Khujand, being at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, has been one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Maverannahr.
The Great Silk Road passed through it, connecting ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, Egypt, Iran with India, China and Japan. Khojent is the second largest city in the country, located in the north of the republic, one of the most ancient cities in Tajikistan, founded in the time of Alexander the Great, about 2500 years ago.
According to Greek historians, in 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded on the river called Tanais, or Jaxart (the modern Syr Darya River), which was to become the natural border of his empire, a fortified fortress named after him, inhabited it with Greek soldiers and surrounding "barbarians" (that is, the local population) which, initially, of course, could not be a city in the full sense of the word.
But later, due to its favorable geographical and strategic position, it began to be intensively populated, turning into a large city in terms of its size, which is known in history as Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata).
The question of the exact location of this ancient city worried scientists from various countries of the world for several hundred years, and only in the middle of the 20th century was the identity of Khujand of the 4th century BC and Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata) of 329 BC confirmed. T
There was also an assumption that Alexandria Extreme did not arise from scratch, but on the territory of the urban center, called the Archaic Khojent, which already existed on the left bank of the Syr Darya when the troops of Alexander the Great arrived there.

Occupying a favorable geographical position in the Ferghana Valley, Khojent prospered for a long time, grew rich, built palaces, mosques, citadels. In the XIII century, it was captured and destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan.
In the 9th - 12th centuries, Khujand consisted of the city itself (shahristan), an old fortress (kuhendiz) and a craft and trade suburb (rabad). All these parts of the city were fortified with defensive walls.
Subsequently, the city was restored and began to play an important role as a trade transit hub on the Great Silk Road. At the end of the XIV - beginning of the XV centuries, Khojent, together with the region, was part of the state of Timur (Tamerlane).
In the 18th-19th centuries, Khujand greatly expanded, turning into one of the largest cities in Central Asia, not inferior in territory to Kokand and Bukhara. The city had its own ruler - bek.
Khojent of the late 19th - early 20th centuries was a typical Central Asian city with crooked and narrow streets, along which adobe houses huddled one to another, with noisy bazaars and rows of all kinds of handicraft workshops.
The city was divided into numerous small quarters (mahalla) with obligatory mosques, teahouses and ponds (houses) in each of them. Quarter mosques and teahouses were the place where various gatherings of local residents took place and issues affecting their common interests were resolved. Each quarter was dominated by a certain type of handicraft.
Khojent was located on the border of the possessions of the Emirate of Bukhara and the Kokand Khanate and for decades was the object of contention between them. In 1866, he was annexed to Russia, after which internecine destructive wars ended because of him in Bukhara and Kokand.
After the Russian conquest in the 19th century, the city became the center of the county, where industry began to develop rapidly. The railroad was built here. In Soviet times, Khujand (in 1936 - 1990 - Leninabad) was the center of the Leninabad region. Many well-known representatives of the Tajik intelligentsia and the republican leadership were from here.
Its former name - Khujand - remained until 1936 and, according to written sources, existed in the 7th century. The Arab historian al-Beladhuri, who lived in the 9th century, mentions Khujand when describing one of the Arab campaigns of the second half of the 7th century. However, modern historical science believes that the city existed during the Achaemenid dynasty, that is, before the arrival of the troops of Alexander the Great to the banks of the Syr Darya.
Having captured the city, they fortified it, naming it in honor of their commander - Alexandria Eskhat. Later, Khojent more than once had to find himself in the center of historical events. In the VIII century, it was captured and destroyed by the Arabs.
Five centuries later, the city put up fierce resistance to Genghis Khan, temporarily delaying the advance of the Horde to the West. Since ancient times, being at the crossroads of the well-known trade routes of the East, Khujand has been one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Central Asia.
The so-called "Great Silk Road" passed through it, connecting Ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor and Egypt with China, Persia and India. Silk products, jewelry made by the masters of Khojent were known even outside the countries of the East. These crafts are still reminiscent of the old names of the city quarters: Pillakashon (silk spinners), Zargaron (jewelers), Sangburron (masons) and others.
The medieval author, who did not leave his name, called Khojent "the abode of the stars of astronomical science", but this characteristic reflected only part of the historical and cultural significance of the ancient city.
Khujand was the birthplace or place of activity not only of famous astronomers, but also of mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, and musicians. One of them is Abumahmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school, an outstanding authority in the world of medieval science.
His invention - an astronomical sextant, was widely used in the largest observatories of the East - in Maraga (XIII century), in Samarkand (XV century) and Jaipur (XVII century). "Nightingale of Khojent" was called in the XIV century the author of the famous gazelles, the poet Kamol Khujandi.
Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti, whose work reflected the issues of social inequality of the people. In the 19th century, well-known cultural figures in Central Asia, including Toshkhodzha Asiri, Sodirkhon Khofiz, Khoji Yusuf, carried out active educational work in Khujand.
After the accession of Central Asia to Russia (1866), Khujand became one of the centers of the revolutionary movement on the territory of Tajikistan. Social-democratic organizations began to spring up here, and the labor and national liberation movements began to develop actively.
In 1916, Khujand was the first among the cities of Central Asia to openly speak out against the colonial policy of tsarism, which was trying to attract Tajiks, among other peoples of the region, to participate in the First World War.
The uprising quickly spread to neighboring cities and vilayats and soon spread throughout Central Asia. Khojent was the first among the cities of Tajikistan to respond to the victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
Following St. Petersburg and Tashkent in November 1917, Soviet power was established here. In this struggle for people's power, led by the Russian Bolsheviks led by E.A. Ivanitsky, the best representatives of the Tajik workers received revolutionary hardening: D. Zakirov, A. Rakhimbaev, K. Nazhmiddinov, D. Shokarimov, R. Egamberdiev, A. Shermatov , K. Rakhmatbaev, Kh. Usmanov, Mavlyanbekov brothers and others.
During the years of building socialism in the city, tremendous changes took place in all areas of the economic, social and cultural life of the city. All their successes in the construction of a new life, the Khodzhents associated with the name of the great Lenin. Taking into account the will of the Tajik people, the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, by its Decree of January 9, 1936, renamed the city of Khojent into the city of Leninabad.
During the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), the people of Leninabad, like all the sons of our Motherland, stood up to defend the sacred Soviet land. Thousands of natives of the city fought against the Nazis in the ranks of the Red Army.
Three of them - Fatkhullo Akhmedov (posthumously), Rakhimbay Rakhmatov and Saidnafe Saidvaliev became Heroes of the Soviet Union, many returned home with military orders and medals, including Pulat Ataev - holder of three Orders of Glory.
Today Khujand is the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The city's industry has become diversified, equipped with advanced domestic technology.
The pride of the city is one of the largest enterprises of the republic - a silk factory. Industrial products are known far beyond Khujand - in Mongolia, Romania, Bulgaria, India, Guinea, etc.
Only silk factory fabrics are sent to 450 cities of the former USSR and foreign countries. In the 60s, Leninabad actively expanded its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges over it.
The right-bank part included a vast park area with beaches and sports facilities. A satellite city grew up, in which more than a third of the population of Leninabad lived. During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Tajik SSR and the Communist Party of Tajikistan in 1974, a monument to V.I. Lenin was opened on the right bank of the Syr Darya.

Geography and climate

Quote from St. Petersburg Vedomosti, 1868 (No. 215, 219):

“... Khujand is located on the banks of the excellent, high-water Syr Darya and is surrounded on all sides by mountains, along the slopes of which luxurious gardens grow green, and all this together - water, mountains and vegetation in summer, with the local heat and droughts, gives the air favorable freshness and purity, in winter moderation. … Khujand is surrounded by magnificent gardens, which are more numerous here than in other parts of the region. All these orchards are fruit, the fruits grow here in amazing abundance and the surrounding cities are supplied with them ... "

The formation of the climate in Tajikistan, including Khujand, is greatly influenced by the same air masses that invade the territory of Central Asia and determine the nature and change of the weather. Precipitation in the Khujand region and throughout the Ferghana Valley is mainly due to cyclonic activity and the nature of the underlying surface.

The main role in precipitation is played by the South Caspian, Murgab and Upper Amu Darya cyclones, as well as cold air masses "moving from the west, northwest and north. Reaching the frontal surface of the mountains, the incoming air masses rise along this surface, cool down and get an additional effect for the formation of clouds and precipitation.All these air masses invade the Ferghana Valley from the west and southwest, but on their way they collide with the western and southwestern slopes of the mountain ranges of Northern Tajikistan and they receive more precipitation than the lee slopes, intermountain valleys and depressions.Thus, on the windward slopes of the Zeravshan, Turkestan and Kuraminsky ridges, the annual precipitation is more than 400-800 mm.This is confirmed by the fact that in winter a deep snow cover forms in these mountainous regions, which is associated spring period As they move deeper into the mountainous country, these air masses reach inland areas that are very depleted in moisture, as a result of which intermountain valleys and deep basins receive very little precipitation. For example, in Khujand, the annual amount of precipitation falls: during the cold period of the year 87 mm, and their greatest amount is in March and April (25-27 mm); the smallest in the summer months (9-11 mm, Aug.).

As a rule, precipitation in the form of snow falls only at low temperatures. In the Khujand region, stable snow cover is absent in 20% of winters, and in 3-10% of winters it does not form at all. Here, the height of the snow cover only in February reaches an average of 1-3 cm, and is absent in the rest of the year. The highest ten-day height of snow cover was observed in the third decade of February - 47 cm. The number of days with snow cover is exactly 21.

Airfare low price calendar

Story

The history of the city goes back to ancient times. Modern historical science believes that the archaic Khujand existed during the Achaemenid dynasty, that is, before the arrival of the troops of Alexander the Great to the banks of the Syr Darya. Having captured the city, they fortified it, calling Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme).

In subsequent periods, Khujand more than once had to find itself in the center of historical events. In the 8th century it was captured by the Arabs, in the XIII century. the city offered fierce resistance to the Mongol invaders, temporarily delaying the advance of the hordes of Genghis Khan to the west.

Since ancient times, Khujand, being at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, has been one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Maverannahr. The Great Silk Road passed through it, connecting ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, Egypt, Iran with India, China and Japan. Khujand was the birthplace of famous astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, musicians. One of them is Abumahmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school, an outstanding authority in world science. "The nightingale of Khujand" was called in the XIV century Kamoli Khujandi - the author of the famous gazelles. Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti. In the 19th century, such cultural figures as Toshkhoja Asiri, Sodirkhon Hafiz, Khoji Yusuf were actively engaged in educational work in Khujand.

On May 24, 1866, the city was occupied by the Russian army and became part of the Russian Empire. The entry into the empire of the center of a densely populated district, which had rich economic resources, the most important road junction between the Fergana Valley, the Tashkent oasis and the Zeravshan Valley, a major trading point, opened up new opportunities for the development of Khujand. In July 1916, Khujand was the first among the cities of Central Asia to openly oppose the colonial policy of tsarism, which tried to attract Tajiks, among other peoples of the region, to participate in the First World War (the Central Asian uprising of 1916).

At the beginning of 1918, Soviet power was established in the city, on October 2, 1929, it was included in the Tajik SSR. During the years of Soviet construction in the city that now bore the name of Leninabad, tremendous changes took place in all areas of economic, social and cultural life. In the post-war period, Khujand became the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The industry of the city has become diversified, equipped with advanced domestic and foreign technology. The pride of the people of Khujand was one of the largest enterprises of the republic - a silk factory. In 1991, dozens of enterprises in Khujand produced the same amount of industrial output in a day as in all of pre-revolutionary Tajikistan in a year. The industrial products of the Khujand people were known far beyond the borders of our Motherland. Only the fabrics of the silk factory were sent to 450 cities of the USSR and to foreign countries. Since the 60s, Khujand has been actively expanding its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges over it. During the years of Soviet power, fundamental changes have taken place in the field of health care. By 1991, there were 40 medical and preventive institutions in Khujand, in which about 2.5 thousand doctors and specialists with higher and secondary medical qualifications worked. education. Major changes have taken place in the field of public education. In 1991 there were 30 schools in Khujand with about 30,000 students.

In 1932, the Pedagogical Institute was opened in Khujand, where there were only 26 students. Today, more than 10 thousand students study at 13 faculties of this university, which was transformed into Khujand State University in 1991. During the post-war decades, literature and art reached a new flowering in Khujand, a whole galaxy of poets and writers, artists and composers, craftsmen grew up. Khujand became more and more beautiful, took on the appearance of a large, industrialized city. In 1986, he celebrated his anniversary - the 2500th anniversary of its founding. In connection with this Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the city was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples.

The role and weight of ancient Khujand increased even more during the period of sovereign development of Tajikistan. It was here that the most important step was taken towards ending the fratricidal war and achieving national accord on Tajik soil: the XVI session of the Supreme Council, held in Khujand in November 1992, restored the constitutional order in the republic and nominated a new leader, E. Sh. Rakhmonov, to the political arena .

Modern Khujand

Khujand majestically spreads out in the picturesque floodplain of the Syrdarya River at an altitude of more than three hundred meters above sea level. Today Khujand is the largest industrial and cultural center of Northern Tajikistan and the second largest city in the republic. The geographical location and climatic conditions of Khujand are truly beneficial. Therefore, the Ferghana Valley, where it is located, is considered the pearl of Central Asia: the mountain landscape, the ever-flowing waters of the Syr Darya, clean air, green attire, an abundance of grapes, fruits and other gifts of nature make Khujand an eternally young garden city. Khujand is the administrative center of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan, the second city in the republic in terms of the number of inhabitants and the volume of industrial production. It is located in the intermountain passage leading to the Ferghana Valley, on the most important caravan trade route of Antiquity. The Syrdarya River flows through the city. From the city center to the railway. station - 11 km, to Dushanbe - 341 km. Khujand is connected by railways, air and automobile routes.

Monument to Kamol Khujandi

Installed in 1996 in honor of the 675th anniversary of the poet's birth. Located on the square "Stars of Khujand". The main idea is to convey his image as a thinker, philosopher and show his inner world. Against the background are depicted wings that personify the holiness of man and at the same time designate the wings of inspiration of poetry. The poet's face is turned to the place of his birth and towards the sunset. The height of the seated figure is 3.5 m, the height of the wings is 5.5 m. The area occupied by the monument is 1000 sq. m. m. In order to create the image of a strong man, spiritually rich, who has traveled a lot, the sculpture was deliberately created barefoot, as there are canons of sculpture about the beauty of the human body. Author artist sculptor K. N. Nadyrov. A similar monument of the same author was erected in 1997 in Tabriz at the burial place of the poet.

Khujand fortress

An integral part of the fortification system of the city. Founded in the VI-V centuries. BC e. According to the data obtained by the North-Tajik Archaeological Complex Expedition (STAKE), the Khujand fortress was first surrounded by an artificial rampart, later by a wall of considerable thickness made of mud. The city and the citadel, the components of ancient Khujand, had separate fortress walls surrounded by a wide and deep moat filled with water. The remains of these fortifications were found under the central part of the left-bank Khujand and surround the territory of the ancient city with an area of ​​20 hectares.

With the development of the economy, trade, system of government and population, the city grows. In the VI-VII centuries a new fortress was built. Medieval Khujand consisted of three main parts: the citadel, shakhristan and rabad. The citadel was located on the banks of the Syr Daryapreno by the Khujands at the gates of the rabad. The medieval Khujand fortress was considered one of the most fortified in Central Asia.

During the invasion of Genghis Khan (1219-1220), a 25,000-strong army with 50,000 Central Asian captives was sent to besiege the city. The heroic defense of the Khujand fortress and the nearby island on the Syr Darya under the leadership of Timurmalik is one of the brightest pages in the history of the liberation struggle of the Tajik people. As a result of the Mongol invasion, the Khujand fortress was destroyed. According to the historian Hofiz Abru, at the beginning of the 15th century the fortress lay in ruins. According to Zahiriddin Babur, already at the end of the 15th century, the fortress was restored and was the residence of the local ruler.

Mosque Masjidi Jami

The complex of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a monument of folk architecture of the XX century. Located on the western side of Panjshanbe Square. The facade of the building faces the street. Shark. The mosque was built in 1512-1513. A multi-column (30 columns) aivan adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, also multi-column (20 columns), and enters the courtyard of the mosque. The long southern wall of the mosque without any openings faces Shark Street. Only on the right, on the edge of the wall, is the entrance device of the darvoz-khon with a deep peshtak - a portal. The layout of the columns in the mosque is subject to a modular grid: six rows of four columns (30 modular squares) are repeated on the iwan, and five rows of four columns in the winter room. The two middle columns along the northern facade of the aivan are carved to the full height and carry an elevated part of the architrave with massive inlaid stalactites that have preserved the remains of the painting. At the entrance and above the mihrab, three plank squares of the ceiling are painted, but the colors have become very dark and partly crumbled. The walls are covered with good carved decor, mostly geometric motifs. Both doors of the winter hall are distinguished by fine, elegant carvings. Structurally, the building is framed with raw filling and subsequent plastering with stucco mortar. The gaps between the frame are used to create niches at the mihrab both in the winter hall and on the aivan. The roof of the mosque is flat earthen with clay-adobe coating. The foundation on which the walls of the building stand is made of burnt bricks. The courtyard of the mosque from the east and partly from the north is limited by one-story hujras. In the north-eastern part of the courtyard there is a minaret with a traditional lantern decorated with arched openings, from where a beautiful panorama of the city opens. Entrance portal facing the street. Shark, is distinguished by tiled cladding and carved ganch panels on the facade. The high portal represents only the front decorative wall made of baked bricks, supplemented on the north side with two-story adobe buildings with a wooden aivan at the top. The carved portal gates were made in 1513-1514. Mullah Mansur (painting), usto Shamsidtsin (ganch carving) and others took part in the decoration of the mosque. The mosque, in general, has a surprisingly harmonious image and is a magnificent example of the synthesis of decorative art and the building culture of Khujand.

Sights of the city of Khujand.

Here he is - Khujand! The second largest city (after the capital) in Tajikistan, which for its millennial history (about 2500 years) can “boast” that

• it was here in the 5th century BC. Alexander the Great himself built the legendary city of Alexander-Eskhata;
• later the city was one of the most important centers through which the Great Silk Road passed;
• after the arrival of the Russians, a railway was built here, and the city was renamed until 1990 to Leninabad, after which the industry began to develop sharply.

As we understand, this is all in the past. What is Khujand at the present time? This is what we have to find out today.

There were a few kilometers left to the city, we decided that we would overcome them all in the same way - by hitchhiking. As it turned out, the decision was made correctly, because a few minutes later a passenger car with a Tajik couple stopped. The guys were funny and talkative, I don’t even remember how we ended up on Panjshanbe Square.

This is because in the western part of the square there is a monument of folk architecture of the 16th century - complex of Sheikh Muslihiddin. The architectural ensemble consists of:

- Cathedral mosque Masjidi Jami,

– minaret about 20 m high,

and ancient burials.

For me personally, that Sunday was remembered by a large number of people and ... gypsies. That's where, where, but here I did not expect to see these beggars. I have already developed immunity to such “comrades”, however, once again, communication with them proved to me that I should not follow their lead. Imagine a picture, with an outstretched hand and a voice that puts pressure on pity, a young woman approaches with gold earrings in her ears and with a baby in her arms, dressed in a “diaper”. There is no other way to call it “arrogance”.

To correct our mood, Mila and I turned 180 degrees and headed for the pavilion with the inscription “Panchshanbe”, which means “Thursday” in Tajik.

Who has not yet guessed, then we have one of the largest covered markets in Central Asia. And Thursday, because on this day every week there was the biggest trade here. On Sunday, there are also enough people, I must admit.

After huddling between the shops and sniffing all sorts of oriental fragrances, we took a walk around the center. Looking for Square "Star of Khujand" we came across such a house decorated in the style of Tajik traditions. As it turned out, when approaching the front door, it was just a restaurant. However, it attracts attention.

We went out to the square with fountains and a monument to the great local poet Kamol Khujandi They saw it too, though they didn't take a photo of it. Who knew that it is on the list of must-see sights in the city? 😉

By the way, Khujand is the only Tajik city located on a large river, whose name is the Syr Darya. Do you also want to divide the word into two parts? 🙂

It is easy to see the river as it flows right through the center of the city. True, it doesn’t cause much impression, so we move on to the next attraction, or rather, to an integral part of the city’s fortification system - Khujand fortress.

The first mention of the fortress appeared in the VI-VII centuries. In those days, Khujand consisted of three parts: the citadel (on the banks of the Syr Darya), shakhristan and rabad. The medieval Khujand fortress was considered one of the most fortified in Central Asia.

Historians say that after the Mongol invasion, the fortress was razed to the ground, and only at the beginning of the 15th century began to gradually restore it. Now we have an ordinary restored wall in front of us, through the main entrance of which we get to the museum.

By the way, next to the fortress there is a green park alley, where we went immediately after the tour in order to hide from the hot sun in the shade. We were also lucky that just at that time a whole crowd of children were passing by, similar to a “children's wedding” (celebration of “circumcision” in our opinion).

At present, the city is the industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan with hospitable residents. Quite quiet and in general it is enough to spend a day or even half a day on it to get acquainted with historical places. That, perhaps, is all that the city of Khujand can boast of.

On one of the main streets, Mila and I found a bus stop. It must be said here that Tajikistan has generally abandoned “large” public transport such as buses, trolleybuses, and so on. Instead, on the roads we see only route “gazelles” or even a passenger car-bus. Like this? An ordinary passenger car, only a route number is attached to the windshield, you get into one and go like in a bus. The only problem is with the number of free seats :).

The stop was not useful to us, because we were suddenly offered a lift by a Tajik in a passenger car. True, only out of town, but that was already enough. Where do you think we're heading? That's right, in! And in order to get to the capital of Tajikistan, we will have to overcome the most interesting and at the same time dangerous section of the road, 380 km long -. As always, I will talk about this in the next article, and I advise you to subscribe to the news of our blog, so as not to miss this event :). Happily!