Fergana history

Unlike the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, whose history spans millennia, Fergana is a comparatively young city. Its emergence is directly linked to events of the 19th century, when the Fergana Valley became part of the Russian Empire. The city was founded in 1876 as a new military-administrative centre for the region. Initially, it was named New Margilan, as it was established just 12 kilometres from the ancient city of Margilan. In 1907, it was renamed Skobelev, and the city received its current name, Fergana, in 1924.

A key factor in Fergana's formation was its strategic location. The city was founded by the decision of military authorities to control the territory of the former Kokand Khanate. Unlike traditional Central Asian cities with their narrow and winding streets, Fergana was built according to a European model with a clear radial-ring layout. The central element was a military fortress, from which wide streets radiated like beams. Special attention was paid to landscaping: numerous parks and squares were laid out, thanks to which Fergana is still considered one of the greenest cities in the country today.

In the early stages, the city's economy and culture were defined by its status as an administrative and garrison centre. The first significant structures were the Governor's House, the Military Assembly, and other government buildings in the European style. Economic life was focused around the needs of the administration and the military. Gradually, with the development of cotton farming and industry in the fertile Fergana Valley, the city began to transform into an important industrial and cultural hub of the region.

Unlike the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, whose history goes back thousands of years, Fergana is a relatively young city. Its history began in the second half of the 19th century and is closely tied to events that unfolded in the Fergana Valley. Below is a brief chronology of key moments in the city's development.

• 1876 — Foundation of the city as a military-administrative centre of the Russian Empire following the abolition of the Kokand Khanate; it was initially named New Margilan.
• 1877 — The beginning of active city development following a European-style radial-ring layout, centred around the military fortress.
• 1890 — Completion of iconic buildings, including the residence of the military governor, which today houses the regional theatre.
• 1907 — The city is renamed Skobelev in honour of the region's first military governor, Mikhail Skobelev.
• 1924 — The city receives its modern name — Fergana, named after the valley in which it is located.
• 1941 — As a result of administrative reform, the Fergana Region is formed within its modern borders with the administrative centre in the city of Fergana.
• 1959 — The Fergana Oil Refinery begins operations, marking the city's transformation into a major industrial hub of the region.
• 1991 — Following the proclamation of the independence of Uzbekistan, the city enters a new stage of development as one of the country's key regional centres.
• 1992 — The symbolic "Gate of Independence" is erected in the city to honour the new era in the country's history.
• 2000s — A large-scale reconstruction of central Fergana is carried out, during which parks are renovated, the central market is modernised, and new contemporary buildings are constructed.

Stages of Fergana's Development

The development of Fergana is the story of a military-administrative settlement transforming into a major industrial, cultural, and green centre of the Fergana Valley. The main transformations of the city can be divided into several key stages.

• Foundation and Urban Planning in the Imperial Period (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

  The city was founded in 1876 as New Margilan and was initially built according to a European radial-ring plan, which was atypical for Central Asia. Significance: This approach defined the unique urban structure with wide, straight streets and an abundance of green zones, laying the foundation for Fergana's future status as a "Garden City".

• Industrial Breakthrough (1950s — 1960s)

  During the Soviet period, Fergana became one of the industrial flagships of Uzbekistan. A key event was the construction of the Fergana Oil Refinery, commissioned in 1959, and the nitrogen fertiliser plant ("Ferganaazot"), launched in 1962. Significance: These enterprises turned the city into a powerful industrial centre, defining its economic profile for decades to come and stimulating population and infrastructure growth.

• Becoming a Scientific and Cultural Centre (from the 1930s)

  An important milestone was the founding of the Fergana Pedagogical Institute in 1930, which was transformed into Fergana State University in 1991. Significance: The appearance of a major higher education institution affirmed the city's status as the educational hub of the valley, training specialists for the entire region. The development of cultural life, including theatres and museums, complemented this image.

• The "Garden City" Concept (Mid-20th Century)

  Throughout the Soviet period, the landscaping efforts begun at the city's founding continued actively. Thousands of trees were planted, and new parks and squares were established. Significance: Fergana acquired and cemented its reputation as one of the greenest and most well-maintained cities in Uzbekistan, which remains its calling card today.

• Economic Transformation in the Independence Period (from the 1990s)

  After 1991, the modernisation of existing production facilities and the diversification of the economy began. The Fergana Oil Refinery underwent reconstruction and switched to producing products according to modern standards, such as Euro-5 diesel and Jet A-1 aviation fuel. Significance: The city began to adapt to market conditions, attracting investment and developing new directions in industry and the service sector.

• Large-scale Reconstruction and Modern Development (2010s — Present)

  In the 21st century, a general reconstruction plan is being implemented in Fergana, including the construction of new roads, bridges, modern residential complexes, and social facilities. Landmark structures such as the Palace of Arts, the amphitheatre, and the Istiklol Stadium with a capacity of 20,000 spectators have appeared. New public spaces are being actively created, such as the "New Uzbekistan" district. Significance: These transformations give Fergana a modern look, improving the quality of life for citizens and the tourist appeal of the region.

The architectural appearance of Fergana is unique and noticeably different from the traditional buildings of the ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Founded in the second half of the 19th century as a military-administrative centre, the city was initially built according to a European model with a clear radial-ring layout, which determined its urban development for decades to come. Instead of chaotic narrow streets, wide avenues were laid here, radiating like beams from the central fortress, and abundant greenery made Fergana one of the greenest cities in the country.

The Colonial Period and "Turkestan Style"

The foundation of Fergana's architectural heritage was laid in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period gifted the city with iconic buildings in the so-called "Turkestan" or colonial style, characterised by strict forms, the use of baked brick, and an eclectic combination of elements of Russian Classicism and Art Nouveau. Many of these structures, designed by military engineers and architects, have survived to this day and form the historical centre.

• Governor's Residence: Built in 1891, this monumental building is today the home of the Regional Musical and Drama Theatre and is considered one of the city's main architectural symbols.
• Military Assembly Building: Erected in 1879, it served as the centre of social life for garrison officers. Today, this structure is known as the "Officers' House".
• Men's Gymnasium: A striking example of early 20th-century "Brick Art Nouveau", designed by architect G. M. Svarichevsky. Currently, one of the faculties of Fergana State University is located in this historical building.

The Soviet Era and Modernity

In the Soviet period, the city actively developed as an industrial centre. The architecture of this time is represented both by residential quarters in the Constructivist style of the 1930s and by later buildings in the spirit of Soviet Modernism, including administrative blocks, houses of culture, and standard multi-storey buildings that changed the look of the outskirts. In the 1960s and 70s, objects iconic for their time appeared, such as the Central Department Store (TSUM) and youth cafes.

After Uzbekistan gained independence, a new stage in the urban planning of Fergana began. In the 2000s, a large-scale reconstruction of the centre was carried out, and new public spaces, modern hotels, and sports facilities appeared. In contemporary architecture, there is a tendency towards synthesis: new buildings, such as the amphitheatre, often include elements of national decor, creating a contrast with the historical buildings of the tsarist era. One of the newest large-scale projects is the innovative "Eco-City" district with parks, an artificial lake, and modern residential developments.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Fergana

The history of Fergana and the Fergana Valley is rich with the names of prominent figures who left a significant mark on science, culture, and public life. Although the city itself was founded relatively recently, the region has been a centre of civilisation since ancient times.

• Ahmad al-Fergani (Alfraganus) — A great Persian astronomer, mathematician, and geographer of the 9th century, a native of the Fergana Valley. His work "Elements of Astronomy on the Celestial Motions" served as the main textbook on astronomy in European universities for 700 years. A crater on the Moon is named after Al-Fergani, and a monument is dedicated to him in Fergana itself.
• Mikhail Skobelev — A general of the Russian Empire and the first military governor of the Fergana Region. It was on his initiative that the city of New Margilan was founded in 1876, which later became Fergana. From 1907 to 1924, the city bore his name — Skobelev.
• Abbas Bakirov — A Soviet and Uzbek actor of theatre and cinema, and director, born in Fergana. People's Artist of the USSR (1970) and the Uzbek SSR (1939). He played many striking roles and made a significant contribution to the development of the theatrical arts in Uzbekistan.
• Mamurjon Uzakov — An outstanding Uzbek singer and one of the brightest representatives of the Fergana school of classical music. People's Artist of the Uzbek SSR (1939). Although born in Margilan, his work is inextricably linked with the cultural life of the entire valley and Fergana in particular.
• Nurkhon Yuldashkhojaeva — One of the first Uzbek dancers who dared to perform on stage without a veil. Born in Margilan, her tragic death in 1929 at the hands of her own brother became a symbol of the struggle for the liberation of women of the East.
• Sergey Malov — A prominent Russian and Soviet orientalist, Turkologist, and specialist in the languages of the peoples of Central Asia. In the early 20th century, he served in New Margilan (Fergana), where he studied local languages and dialects, which formed the basis of his fundamental scientific works.
• Tamara Khanum (Tamara Petrosyan) — A famous Soviet Uzbek dancer, singer, actress, and choreographer. Born in the vicinity of Fergana. People's Artist of the USSR (1956), she became one of the symbols of Uzbek performing arts, reforming it and presenting it to the world.