Nurata

Located in the foothills of the Nuratau Mountains, which stretch hundreds of kilometers from Jizzakh and the Barren Steppe to Navoi and the Kyzylkum Desert, lies the small town of Nurata. Serving as the administrative and cultural center of the mountain area in the Navoi region, Nurata is located nearly 200 kilometers from the historic city of Samarkand.

Nurata is steeped in legends regarding its origin and name. One popular belief traces the town’s founding to the fortress of Nur, established by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. However, archaeological findings suggest that the area’s cultural layer dates back 40,000 years, indicating a much older history. The primary reason for the initial settlement in this region was the presence of the spring known as Chashma.

According to local legends, a meteorite struck the ground here many millennia ago, creating a spring with healing waters. This legend gives rise to the town’s name, which can be translated as «Ray of Father» or «Ray-Father.» The Chashma complex is considered one of the most important Islamic centers in the region, attracting thousands of pilgrims from neighboring towns and other countries each year. The complex includes the Djuma Mosque (Friday mosque), a qubba (dome), a bathhouse, a hill that once supported an ancient fortress, and the well with the holy spring. Locals often speak of a mysterious radiance that sometimes appears over the spring, reinforcing the belief that «Allah presented us with Nur (ray)!»

The Chashma spring is not only a site of legend but also of scientific interest. The water temperature consistently measures 19.5°C and contains 15 microelements, including gold, silver, bromide, and iodine, which contribute to its unique healing properties. The spring is also home to a rare fish species called marinka, which is considered sacred due to its lack of scales. Locals and visitors alike hold this fish in reverence, and it is never eaten.

One of Nurata’s notable features is its ancient system of underground water channels, known as «kyariz.» These channels, which originate from the holy spring, were once common throughout many cities in Central Asia. Today, the kyariz system in Nurata is one of the few that have survived. These channels continue to be used by the local population, just as they were centuries ago, providing a reliable water source.

Nurata maintains a tranquil and measured pace of life, far removed from large industrial and tourist centers. With a population of only 25,000, the town exudes a close-knit community atmosphere where everyone seems to know each other. The innocence and hospitality of the local residents leave a lasting impression on tourists and pilgrims who visit this picturesque town annually.