Aksu history

The city of Aksu, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, boasts a rich history spanning centuries. Its emergence and development are closely tied to the Great Silk Road, as it was founded on one of its most vital sections. The name of the city translates from Turkic languages as "White Water," which is likely connected to the river of the same name originating in the Tian Shan mountains.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Aksu dates back over two thousand years. In ancient times, the State of Gumo (姑墨) was located on these lands. The first written mentions of it date back to the 1st century BC, when it was already known to the Chinese Han Dynasty. In 629 AD, the famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler Xuanzang visited these places, describing the city under the name "Baluka." Later, the region became part of various empires, including the Tang Empire and states formed after the Mongol conquests.

Key Development Factors

Aksu owes much of its development to its strategic location. The northern route of the Great Silk Road passed through the city, skirting the dangerous Taklamakan Desert. This made it a crucial stopover for trade caravans.

• Geography: The city emerged in an oasis at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, on the banks of the Aksu River, which provided its inhabitants with water and created favorable conditions for agriculture.
• Trade: Aksu was a major trade hub where caravans arrived from China, Central Asia, India, and Kashmir. It served not only as a resting place but also as a point of exchange for goods and ideas.
• Political Significance: In the 13th century, the city was even the capital of the Mangalai state. Controlling it was essential for any power seeking to dominate the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Aksu was not just a trading post but also a cultural center. Along with caravans, various religions and traditions penetrated here. In the first millennium AD, Buddhist monks settled in the vicinity of the city, creating cave monasteries with rock paintings. In later times, by the beginning of the 19th century, the city was known for its artisans who engaged in leather processing, metalworking, gemstone cutting, and fabric production. Mosques and caravanserais operated in the city, emphasizing its multinational and commercial character.

Key Dates in the History of Aksu

The history of Aksu is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures, reflecting its strategic position on the Great Silk Road. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, serving as an important trade and cultural center for many centuries. Below is a brief chronology of key events that shaped its appearance.

• 1st Century BC — The first written mentions of the State of Gumo, located on the site of modern Aksu, in the chronicles of the Chinese Han Dynasty.
• 629 AD — The famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler Xuanzang visits the city, which he describes in his notes under the name "Baluka."
• 640s — The territory of Aksu becomes part of the Chinese Tang Empire, strengthening its importance on the Great Silk Road.
• 670s – 720s — The region becomes an arena of struggle between the Tang Empire and the Tibetan Empire, changing hands several times.
• 717 AD — The Battle of Aksu takes place, in which Tang dynasty troops defeat the army of the Arab Caliphate and its allies who were besieging the city.
• 13th Century — Aksu becomes the capital of the Mangalai state, which later became part of the Mongol Empire following the conquests of Genghis Khan.
• 18th–19th Centuries — During the Qing Dynasty era, the city turns into a major trade and craft center, surrounded by a fortress wall, and welcomes caravans from different corners of Asia.
• 1983 — By decree of the State Council of the PRC, Aksu County is officially transformed into a county-level city, marking the beginning of its modern administrative status.

Stages of Aksu's Development: From Ancient Oasis to Modern Hub

The development of Aksu is a story of transformation reflecting its strategic importance throughout the centuries. The city has journeyed from a vital point on the Great Silk Road to a modern economic and cultural center of Xinjiang. Below are the key milestones that defined its current appearance.

• Trade Hub on the Silk Road: Initially, Aksu formed as a vital oasis and stopover point for caravans. This laid the foundation for its economic and cultural diversity, making the city a meeting place for different peoples and ideas.
• Becoming an Administrative Center: Throughout its history, Aksu has been an important military and administrative point. In 1983, the city received the official status of a county-level city, which became the starting point for its modern urban and administrative development.
• Agrarian Transformation: In the 20th and 21st centuries, Aksu transformed into one of China's largest agricultural centers. The city became known nationwide and abroad as a base for the production of high-quality cotton and the famous "sugar-heart" apples, which form the basis of its modern economy.
• Creation of the "Green Shield": An important milestone in urban planning was the creation of the Kekeya artificial protective forest. This massive ecological project, 25 kilometers long, not only stopped the desert's advance but also fundamentally improved the urban environment, becoming a global example of combating desertification.
• Transport Infrastructure Development: The modernization of the transport network, including the construction of an airport, railways, and highways, connected Aksu with Urumqi, Kashgar, and other key regions. This strengthened its role as a logistics and economic hub in Western China.
• Emergence as a Tourism Center: Relying on rich historical heritage and unique nature (the Tian Shan mountains and proximity to the Taklamakan Desert), Aksu is actively developing as a tourist destination. The construction of modern infrastructure—hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers—has made the city attractive to travelers.
• Industrial Modernization: Along with agriculture, industry is actively developing in the region, including the processing of agricultural products and the development of natural resources. This contributes to the diversification of the city's economy and the creation of new jobs.

The architectural appearance of Aksu is a visual reflection of its centuries-old history as a significant center on the Great Silk Road. Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, the city has absorbed elements of Central Asian, Chinese, and Islamic cultures, creating a unique and eclectic urban landscape.

The historical layout of the city is largely defined by traditional Uyghur architecture, adapted to the conditions of an oasis. The old quarters are characterized by adobe houses with cozy inner courtyards that provide respite from the summer heat. Islamic influence is evident in the design of mosques, as well as in the intricate wood carving adorning the doors and windows of ancient buildings. These structures bear witness to an era when numerous trade caravans passed through the city.

Since the second half of the 20th century, and especially in recent decades, Aksu has experienced a period of rapid urban development. Alongside historical districts, modern residential complexes, wide avenues, and large shopping and entertainment centers have risen. This modernization process, characteristic of many cities in modern China, has transformed the look of Aksu, adding features of a dynamically developing metropolis to its historical heritage.

Thus, the architecture of Aksu represents a harmonious coexistence of eras. Traveling through the city, one can see both narrow streets that remember the rustle of silk and the ringing of caravan bells, and the glass-gleaming facades of modern buildings. It is this contrast between antiquity and modernity that forms the unique character and charm of the city.

Distinguished Individuals Connected to Aksu

The history of the city of Aksu and the entire region is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, military commanders, travelers, and cultural figures who left their mark on its centuries-old chronicle. Below are some of the key figures whose activities influenced the development of the city in different eras.

• Xuanzang (7th Century) — A famous Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler. During his pilgrimage to India, he passed through Aksu, which he described in his "Records of the Western Regions" under the name "Baluka." His works are one of the most important historical sources on life in the Silk Road oases during the early Middle Ages.
• Tang Jiahui (8th Century) — A Chinese military commander of the Tang Dynasty. In 717, while commanding the garrisons of the Anxi Protectorate, he led Tang troops in the Battle of Aksu. During the battle, his army defeated the combined forces of the Arab Caliphate and their allies besieging the city, securing the Tang Empire's influence in the region.
• Tughlugh Timur Khan (1329/30–1363) — The first Khan of Moghulistan, a state formed after the collapse of the Chagatai Khanate. It was in Aksu in 1347 or 1348 that he was proclaimed Khan, making the city the first capital of the new state. His reign was marked by the consolidation of power and the spread of Islam in the region.
• Abd ar-Rashid Khan I (1509–1559) — Khan of the Yarkent Khanate, son of the state's founder Sultan Said Khan. Before ascending the throne, from 1523 to 1533, he served as the governor (hakim) in Aksu, where he successfully suppressed a rebellion and strengthened central authority in this strategically important city.
• Burhan Shahidi (1894–1989) — A prominent Uyghur political and public figure of the 20th century. His ancestors hailed from Aksu. Burhan Shahidi held high posts, including Chairman of the Government of Xinjiang, and made a significant contribution to the socio-political life of the region in the modern era.