KOKAND

  The town of Kokand placed in west part of Fergana valley is one of the oldest towns in Uzbekistan. Known at least for last 10 centuries, its first name was Havkend. The town was placed on the caravan route between India and China. In 1709 Kokand became the capital of Kokand khanate - the biggest khanate of the time. The territory includes the large part of modern Uzbekistan, south Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan and south China. It was huge and powerful state.

  In ancient time Kokand was the 2nd religious centre in the area after Bukhara. There were 35 madrassahs and hundreds of mosques.

  Places to see here include the palace of the cruel Uda Khudayarkhana (1873), the last Khan of Kokand, which was completed in 1873 just three years before the Russians took power over Central Asia. The palace had 199 rooms and 7 yards, unfortunately till present time preserved only 19 rooms and 2 yards.

  Also interesting are the Norbutaby Madrassah (1799) built from burned bricks and the biggest Madrassah in 19th century Kokand. Jomi mosque and minaret built in 1812 by Umarkhan. Modari Khan mausoleum an interesting sample of muslim architecture built in 1825 for mother of Umarkhan - the governor of Kokand.