Karshi

Karshi, a city in southern Uzbekistan, has gained prominence in recent times due to the Shurtan natural gas field, one of the largest in Central Asia, and the Khanabad military airport, which has been utilized in NATO’s operations in Afghanistan. However, the city’s history spans over 2700 years, and it holds a wealth of historical and cultural significance often overlooked by modern observers.

According to UNESCO research, a settlement existed on the site of present-day Karshi as early as the 7th century BC. Situated on the Great Silk Road, which connected Central Asia to India and Afghanistan, Karshi was a vital stop for traders and invaders alike. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great attempted to conquer this resilient town and was impressed by the strength and determination of its inhabitants. The people of Karshi have long valued their freedom and independence, resisting numerous attempts at subjugation.

Until the 14th century, the town was known as Hakshab, or Nasaf in some sources. In 1364, the great conqueror Tamerlane ordered the construction of a fortified palace in the town, which subsequently became known as Karshi, meaning «fortification» in the Turkic language. This marked the beginning of a new era of growth and development for the town.

Starting from the 14th century, Karshi experienced significant growth, especially under the rule of the Sheybanids in the 16th century. By the 18th century, Karshi had become the second most important city in the Bukhara Khanate. Many of the city’s notable architectural monuments were constructed during this period.

One of the unique structures in Karshi is the Odina Madrassah, the only educational institution for women built in the region during the 16th century. Originally erected on the site of a khan’s palace, it now serves as a small museum. Other historical mosques in Karshi include Kok-Gumbez, Bekmir, Kilichboy, and Magzon, all of which are over three centuries old. The city’s famous bathhouses, which legend says were heated by a single candle, also attract visitors.

Among Karshi’s architectural marvels is a 16th-century brick bridge over the Kashkadarya River. The bridge spans 120 meters in length, 8 meters in width, and stands over 5 meters above the river. Another notable structure is the sardoba, a domed building used for storing water in this arid region. Similar structures are found in the vicinity of Karshi. Due to the scarcity of water, deep wells were dug, such as the 97-meter-deep well in the village of Kamuk, on the edge of the Kashkadarya steppe.

Today, Karshi serves as the administrative center of the Kashkadarya region and has a population of nearly 300,000 people. It is located 400 km from Tashkent (520 km by highway) and 335 km north of the Afghan border. In recent years, Karshi has undergone significant modernization with the construction of new administrative buildings, educational institutions, recreational areas, and sports complexes.