Binkat

The story of Binkat is one of prosperity, cultural fusion, and eventual decline. The Arab conquests of the 8th century brought widespread destruction to the region’s urban life, leaving many of Tashkent’s cities and settlements in ruins. Yet, from the ashes of conquest, Binkat would rise to become a pivotal economic center.

The latter half of the 9th century marked a renaissance for the region, as Shash, the area encompassing Binkat, was absorbed into the Samanid Empire. This integration catalyzed a division of labor and a boom in craft production. The Samanid era fostered extensive trade and economic ties within the caliphate and centralized power in Mavarannahr, nurturing an urban culture that thrived particularly in the Tashkent oasis. At this time, Shash and Ilak were considered virtually a single entity, boasting up to 50 significant cities.

The heart of this urban resurgence was the craft workshop, or «rabad,» which emerged as a vital socio-economic component of city life. Binkat, the capital, burgeoned into Shash’s economic powerhouse. The 10th-century geographer Al-Istahri marveled at the region of Chach, noting its grand buildings, palatial estates with flowing water and gardens, all constructed from clay, with Binkat as its crown jewel.