One of the two main rivers of Central Asia, the Syr Darya, flows through the Fergana Valley. It is formed by the confluence of the two rivers Naryn and Karadarya. Small rivers (Isfara, Isfairamsai, Sokh and Shakhimardansai) also flow here. As a result, there is no water shortage in the Fergana Valley, and fields can be well irrigated, making the valley the greenest part of Uzbekistan.
One of the branches of the Silk Road led through the Fergana Valley. The inhabitants of the Fergana Valley adopted the sericulture from China and, in its turn, passed on the culture of grape growing and the special horse breed from the valley to other peoples.
In the 18th century, the Kokand Khanate was formed on the territory of the Fergana Valley. Kokand Khanate was abolished in 1876 after the entry of Tsarist Russian troops. The newly formed Fergana region became part of Russian Turkestan.
In 1924, due to national demarcation, the territory of Fergana Valley was divided between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The central part of the Fergana Valley is located on the territory of Uzbekistan (Andijan, Namangan and Fergana provinces).
Due to suitable irrigation opportunities, many residents of the Fergana Valley are actively engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, utilizing good climate and farmers’ skills. Wheat, rice, barley, sorghum and various fruits and vegetables are grown here and exported to other countries.
The Fergana Valley is known for its folk arts and crafts. Many artisans live and work here using ancient techniques of pottery, silk, wood carving and embroidery passed down from generation to generation.
Interesting Facts
The Fergana Valley is the most densely populated part of Uzbekistan. The territory of Fergana Valley occupies only 4% of the territory of Uzbekistan, which is home to 27% of the total population of Uzbekistan (as of 2022).
In 1939, the Grand Fergana Canal was built in the Fergana Valley with Stalin’s permission. A total of 160,000 peasants constructed the 350 km-long irrigation canal. The canal was dug by hand with grub hoes (ketmens) and wheelbarrows. The construction was completed in just 45 days. The Fergana canal is considered one of the largest constructions of the Soviet era. The channel is located mainly in Uzbekistan (283 km), with a small part passing through Tajikistan (62 km) and Kyrgyzstan (12 km). Subsequently, the northern and southern parts of the canal were built in 1940-1941, doubling the cotton harvest.
