Nukus

Nukus, the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, is situated in the northern part of Uzbekistan near the Aral Sea. It is surrounded by three vast deserts: the Kara Kum, the Kyzyl Kum, and the Ustyurt Plateau, making it a unique and intriguing destination.

Though Nukus celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2012, making it relatively young compared to other ancient cities in Uzbekistan, the land it occupies has a rich cultural history. Archaeological research indicates that this area has been inhabited since the 4th century BC. Centuries ago, the ancient city of Shurcha stood where Nukus is now located. Situated in the northwestern part of present-day Nukus, Shurcha was a defensive fortress protecting the ancient state of Khorezm and controlling the waterways of the Amu Darya River. Until recently, remnants of Shurcha’s walls and towers could still be seen.

At the end of the 19th century, during the Russian Empire’s control over the Khiva Khanate, Petro-Aleksandrovsk (now Turtkul) became the administrative center of the Amu Darya division. At that time, Nukus was a small village. In 1874, a large military fort was constructed there. This fort’s population, primarily Kazakhs, soon began building hospitals, schools, and administrative buildings around it.

When Soviet power was established, Turtkul remained the administrative center of the Karakalpak Autonomous Region. However, in the 1920s, the threat of flooding from the Amu Darya River led to the relocation of the regional center to Nukus. Officially founded in 1932, Nukus has since evolved into the economic, administrative, political, and cultural hub of Karakalpakstan. Today, the city is adorned with modern buildings, boulevards, gardens, and parks, showcasing a blend of tradition and modernity.

One of the main attractions in Nukus is the Savitsky Art Museum. Named after its founder, Igor Savitsky, the museum houses an extensive collection of Russian avant-garde art, Karakalpak folk art, and ancient artifacts. The museum’s unique collection has gained international acclaim, drawing artists, historians, and even heads of state from around the world.

In addition to the Savitsky Art Museum, Nukus and its surrounding areas are home to numerous archaeological, historical, and cultural monuments. Just outside Nukus, in the town of Khodjeyli (meaning «the land of the Pilgrims»), lies the Mizdahkan necropolis. Among the notable sites in Mizdahkan is the supposed tomb of Adam, referred to by Muslims, although some scholars believe it to be the burial site of Gayomarda (Gayamaretana), the first man according to Zoroastrian mythology.

Today, Nukus is a vibrant urban center. It plays a crucial role in the regional economy and governance of Karakalpakstan.