Kokand history

Kokand is one of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan, with a history closely interwoven with key events in Central Asia. Located in the very heart of the fertile Fergana Valley, it has witnessed the rise and fall of great dynasties for centuries, playing a vital role in the cultural and economic life of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first written mentions of a settlement on the site of modern Kokand, known as Havokand or Hukand, date back to the 10th century. Even then, it was a notable point on one of the branches of the Great Silk Road, connecting China with the Mediterranean. However, the true flourishing of the city began much later, transforming it from a small settlement into a powerful capital.

Key Factors of Establishment

The rise of Kokand was driven by several strategic factors that converged in the 18th century:

• Political Centre: In 1709, Kokand became the capital of the newly formed Kokand Khanate, which at its peak controlled vast territories of modern Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and southern Kazakhstan. This status turned the city into the administrative and military centre of a huge region.
• Geographical Location: Its location in the centre of the Fergana Valley — an oasis with developed agriculture — provided the city with food and resources.
• Trade: Upon becoming a capital, Kokand strengthened its position as a major trade hub. Caravan routes passed through it, contributing to economic prosperity and the exchange of cultural values.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Kokand transformed into not only a political but also a spiritual capital of the region. Construction was actively pursued in the city: numerous mosques and madrasas were erected, making it one of the main centres of education and Islamic culture in Central Asia. During this period, crafts flourished: Kokand was famous for its masters of metal chasing, wood carving, pottery production, and silk fabrics. The architectural appearance of the city, formed in that era, still captures the imagination today, and many monuments, such as the Palace of Khudayar Khan, serve as a testament to its former grandeur.

Chronology of Kokand's History

The history of Kokand is a kaleidoscope of vivid events, from becoming the capital of a powerful khanate to transforming into a major centre of the Fergana Valley. Below are the key milestones that defined the city's destiny.

• 10th Century — The first written mentions appear regarding a settlement on the site of Kokand under the names Havokand or Hukand.
• 1709 — Shahrukh-bi, a representative of the Uzbek Ming tribe, declares independence from the Bukhara Khanate, laying the foundation for the Kokand Khanate.
• 1732 — The capital of the new state is finally moved to Kokand, where the construction of a fortress begins.
• 1740 — Defensive walls are erected around the city, which helped repel the invasion of the Dzungars.
• Early 19th Century — During the reign of Umar Khan and Alim Khan, the Khanate reaches the peak of its power, expanding its territory and turning Kokand into a cultural and religious centre.
• 1842 — The city is temporarily conquered by the troops of the Bukharan Emir Nasrullah.
• 1845 — Khudayar Khan ascends the throne for the first time; his name is inextricably linked with the final period of the Khanate's flourishing and fall.
• 1865 — Russian troops under the command of General Chernyaev capture Tashkent, which significantly weakens the Kokand Khanate.
• 1871 — The construction of the luxurious Palace of Khudayar Khan is completed, becoming a symbol of former grandeur and the last residence of the rulers.
• 1876, March 2 — After suppressing a major uprising, the Kokand Khanate is finally liquidated, and its territory is incorporated into the Russian Empire as the Fergana Oblast.
• 1917, November — Kokand becomes the capital of the short-lived Turkestan Autonomy, which existed for only a few months.
• 1924 — As a result of national-territorial delimitation, the city becomes part of the Uzbek SSR.
• 1991 — After the proclamation of Uzbekistan's independence, Kokand continues to develop as one of the country's most important historical, cultural, and economic centres.

Key Stages of Kokand's Development

The history of Kokand is marked by several turning points, each of which made a significant contribution to shaping its economic, cultural, and architectural appearance. These milestones transformed it from a small settlement into one of the most important cities in the Fergana Valley.

• Becoming a Capital (18th Century). Its transformation in 1740 into the capital of the powerful Kokand Khanate was the main impetus for the city's development. This status led to the massive construction of fortress walls and administrative buildings and facilitated the centralization of power, turning Kokand into the political and military centre of a vast region.
• Cultural and Religious Flourishing (Early 19th Century). During the reign of Umar Khan, the city became one of the main spiritual and literary centres of Central Asia. Dozens of madrasas and over 300 mosques were erected, attracting scholars, poets, and theologians to Kokand, while the Khan himself patronized the arts.
• Peak of Architectural Grandeur (Mid-19th Century). The construction of the luxurious Palace of Khudayar Khan marked the apogee of the Khanate's architectural development and wealth. This period formed the unique look of the old city, many monuments of which have survived to this day and stand as evidence of former power.
• Integration into the Russian Empire (Late 19th Century). After the abolition of the Khanate in 1876 and its entry into the Russian Empire, a new stage of development began in Kokand. The construction of a railway connected the city to major markets, giving a powerful impulse to industry, especially cotton processing. A new, "European" district appeared in the city with banks and trading houses, which changed its social and urban structure.
• Industrialization in the Soviet Period (20th Century). In the 20th century, Kokand established itself as an important industrial centre of the Fergana Valley. Large enterprises in the chemical, food, and light industries were built, leading to population growth and the emergence of new residential areas.
• Era of Independence (Since 1991). In the modern period, the main focus has shifted to preserving the rich cultural heritage and developing tourism. The active restoration of historical monuments and the designation of Kokand as a World Craft City have allowed it to take an important place on the tourist map of Uzbekistan.

The architectural appearance of Kokand is the visual history of the city, captured in stone, brick, and tiles. Here, the lavish heritage of the Kokand Khanate, the strict elegance of colonial-era buildings, and later developments coexist harmoniously, and at times in contrast. The city still retains its historical division into old and new parts, each possessing its own unique style.

The Era of the Kokand Khanate (18th-19th Centuries)

This period became the "Golden Age" for Kokand architecture, defining its recognizable look. The style of this time is a vivid manifestation of the Fergana school of Central Asian architecture. It is characterized by monumentality, rich decor, and the skillful application of traditional craft techniques.

• Key Features: Majestic portals, turquoise domes, facades lavishly decorated with majolica and mosaics featuring geometric and floral patterns (islimi), as well as skillful wood carving (columns, doors) and ganch (carved alabaster).
• Iconic Structures:
  • Palace of Khudayar Khan (Urda) — The undoubted jewel and apogee of architectural thought of that time. Built in 1871, the complex astounded with its size and the luxury of its finishing, in which the best masters from across the Khanate participated.
  • Norbuta-bi Madrasa — An earlier and stricter example of late 18th-century architecture, reflecting the influence of the Bukhara school.
  • Juma Mosque (Jami) — A grandiose structure with a painted iwan supported by dozens of carved wooden columns.
  • Dahma-i-Shokhon Necropolis and Modari Khan Mausoleum — Examples of memorial architecture, richly decorated with glazed tiles.

Period of the Russian Empire (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

After joining the Russian Empire in 1876, a new urban planning stage began in Kokand. The so-called "new city" was formed — a European quarter where administrative buildings, banks, and the mansions of wealthy industrialists and merchants were located. The architecture of this time, known as "Turkestan Modern", represents an eclectic mix of European styles (Modern, Neoclassicism) with local motifs.

• Key Features: The use of fired brick, asymmetrical facades, large windows, wrought-iron elements, and decorative bas-reliefs.
• Iconic Structures: The buildings of the former Russo-Asian Bank, the mansions of the Vadyaev merchants, the Mandalaki brothers, and other structures that still form the appearance of Kokand's central streets today, contrasting with the traditional development.

Soviet and Modern Periods

In the 20th century, urban development was supplemented primarily by functional buildings in the spirit of Soviet modernism, with industrial zones and standard residential micro-districts appearing. In the post-Soviet period, the main emphasis shifted to the restoration and preservation of Kokand's unique historical heritage. New construction often seeks stylization, incorporating traditional elements into modern projects, such as domes, arched openings, and ornamental decor, supporting a dialogue between the different architectural eras of the city.

Notable Figures of Kokand

Kokand, having been the political and cultural centre of the Fergana Valley for centuries, became the birthplace and place of activity for many outstanding rulers, poets, and public figures. Their legacy has left a deep imprint on the history not only of the city but of all Central Asia.

• Narbuta-bi (1749–1798) — Ruler of the Kokand Khanate. His reign (1764–1798) was marked by a period of stability and economic rise. Active construction took place under him; notably, the famous Norbuta-bi Madrasa was erected, becoming one of the largest educational centres in the region.
• Nodira (Mohlaroyim) (1792–1842) — Poetess and Regent. The wife of the ruler Umar Khan, she played a significant role in governing the state after his death. Nodira went down in history as one of the most outstanding poetesses in Uzbek literature, a patron of sciences and arts. Her lyrics, permeated with humanism and celebrating love, have become classics.
• Khudayar Khan (1829–1882) — The last significant ruler of the Kokand Khanate. His long but intermittent reign (from 1845 to 1875 with interruptions) became the final stage of the Khanate's history. He is renowned for the construction of the luxurious palace — the Urda — which remains the main attraction of Kokand and a symbol of former grandeur today.
• Muhammad Aminkhoja Muqimi (1850–1903) — Democratic Poet. Muqimi is considered one of the founders of the democratic trend in Uzbek literature. In his satirical works, he boldly exposed injustice and the greed of officials and the clergy, and his language was close to and understood by the common people.
• Hamza Hakimzade Niyazi (1889–1929) — Poet, Playwright, and Enlightener. Born in Kokand, Hamza is considered the founder of Uzbek Soviet literature. He created schools for the poor, wrote plays on topical issues, and fought for social reforms and the emancipation of women. His work had a huge influence on the development of Uzbek culture in the 20th century.
• Abdulla Kahhar (1907–1968) — People's Writer of the Uzbek SSR. Born in Kokand, Kahhar became an unsurpassed master of the short story, for which he is often called the "Uzbek Chekhov". His works, written in lively and concise language, truthfully reflected the life and daily routine of the Uzbek people.