Namangan history

The history of Namangan is a tale of rebirth and the transformation of a small settlement into one of the key centres of the Fergana Valley. The city, whose name preserves the memory of ancient trades, eventually became a hub of craftsmanship, commerce, and culture.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first written records of a settlement on the site of modern Namangan date back to the late 15th century. It is believed that its name derives from the Persian "Namak kan" (نمک‌کان), meaning "salt mine", as salt miners lived here. Namangan received city status in 1610.

A pivotal moment in the city's early history was the devastating earthquake of 1620, which destroyed Akhsikent, the ancient capital of the Fergana Valley. The surviving inhabitants, including the nobility, relocated to Namangan, giving a powerful impetus to its development and growth.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Its location in the fertile Fergana Valley fostered the development of agriculture. The construction of major irrigation canals, such as the Yangiaryk in the 19th century, turned the surrounding lands into a blooming oasis.
• Trade Routes: The city was part of the Great Silk Road routes, which facilitated the development of trade with China and neighbouring states.
• Administrative Centre: From the 18th century, Namangan became an important administrative centre within the Kokand Khanate, and later a district town in the Russian Empire, which strengthened its political and economic significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially known for salt mining, Namangan quickly turned into a major centre of craftsmanship. Pottery, jewellery art, sericulture, and blacksmithing flourished here. During the Kokand Khanate period, iconic architectural monuments were erected, including madrasahs and mosques, some of which have survived to this day. By the late 19th century, with the development of the cotton industry and the construction of the railway, Namangan established itself as one of the leading industrial and cultural centres of the region.

Key Dates in the History of Namangan

The chronicle of Namangan is a story of growth, trials, and cultural flourishing. From a small settlement by the salt mines to one of the most important cities in the Fergana Valley, here are the main milestones of this journey.

• Late 15th Century — The first written mentions appear regarding a settlement on the site of modern Namangan, the name of which is linked to salt mining ("namak kan" — salt mine).
• 1610 — Namangan officially receives city status.
• 1620 — After a devastating earthquake in the valley's ancient capital, Akhsikent, its surviving residents relocate to Namangan, providing a powerful impulse for its development.
• Early 18th Century — The city becomes part of the Kokand Khanate and becomes an important administrative centre.
• 1819–1821 — The construction of the major Yangiaryk irrigation canal significantly improves agriculture and contributes to the region's prosperity.
• 1845 — Khudoyar, formerly the governor in Namangan, becomes the Khan of Kokand, highlighting the city's political significance.
• 26 September 1875 — Russian Empire troops under the command of General M.D. Skobelev occupy the city during the Kokand campaign.
• 1876 — Namangan officially becomes a district town of the Fergana Region within the Russian Empire, marking the start of a new stage in its urban and industrial development.
• 1912 — Construction of the railway linking Namangan with Kokand is completed, transforming it into a vital transport and trade hub.
• 1920s — During the establishment of Soviet power, the region becomes one of the centres of the Basmachi movement.
• 10 March 1941 — By decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Namangan Region is formed with its administrative centre in the city of Namangan.
• 1961 — The city hosts the Flower Festival for the first time, which over time became an annual international tradition and the hallmark of Namangan.

Stages of Transformation: From Craft Centre to Modern City

The history of Namangan is a path of constant development, where each century brought new challenges and opportunities. The city has undergone an impressive transformation, evolving from a small settlement of salt miners into one of Uzbekistan's key economic and cultural centres. Here are the main milestones of this journey.

• New Centre of the Fergana Valley (17th Century): After the destructive earthquake of 1620, which destroyed the ancient capital Akhsikent, the surviving residents, including the nobility and craftsmen, moved to Namangan. This event gave a powerful boost to the city's growth, turning it into the region's new administrative and craft centre.
• Industrial Boom in the Russian Empire (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): Incorporation into the Russian Empire marked the beginning of industrialisation. Dozens of cotton ginning, oil pressing, and leather tanning factories were built in the city. The completion of the railway in 1912, connecting Namangan with Kokand, finally cemented its status as an important transport and industrial hub.
• Soviet Industrialisation (1920–1980s): During the Soviet period, Namangan turned into a major centre for light and food industries. Large textile combines, garment factories, and plants were built, changing the economic landscape of the city and leading to significant population growth.
• Regional Centre Status (1941): The formation of the Namangan Region with Namangan as the administrative centre strengthened its political and social importance. This facilitated the development of infrastructure, education, and cultural institutions, including the opening of a musical and drama theatre in 1932.
• Birth of the "City of Flowers" (from 1961): The holding of the first Flower Festival became a turning point in Namangan's cultural life. Over time, the festival gained international status and became the city's calling card, shaping its unique image and attracting tourists from all over the world.
• Development in Independent Uzbekistan (from 1991): After gaining independence, the city set a course for modernising the economy and urban environment. Active development of small and medium-sized businesses began, along with the creation of free economic and small industrial zones, as well as the implementation of large-scale programmes for landscaping and the construction of modern housing.

The architectural appearance of Namangan is a multi-layered canvas, upon which every historical era has left its unique mark. From traditional Islamic motifs to Soviet modernism and ambitious contemporary projects, the city demonstrates dynamic development and a change of styles.

The Kokand Khanate Era: Traditions and Crafts

During the period when Namangan was a vital centre of the Kokand Khanate, its architecture followed the canons of Central Asian building traditions. The main materials used were fired brick, clay, and wood. Iconic religious structures were erected during this time, defining the look of the old city. Striking examples include:

• Mullo-Kirgiz Madrasah (Early 20th Century): Built by master Usto Kirgiz, this building is distinguished by a unique layout in the shape of an irregular pentagon and rich decoration. The façade is adorned with mosaics of blue, green, and yellow tiles, and the main entrance is designed as a traditional portal (peshtak) with a pointed arch.
• Ota Valikhon-tura Mosque (Early 20th Century): This is a monumental structure with a large ribbed dome and symmetrical composition. The building is notable for both its exterior brickwork and its interior decoration featuring blue mosaics and carved wooden gates.
• Mausoleum of Khodja Amin Kabri (18th Century): One of the city's oldest monuments, decorated with intricate terracotta and multi-coloured glazed cladding.

Russian Empire: European Accent

With the incorporation into the Russian Empire in the late 19th century, a new stage began in Namangan's urban planning. The so-called "new city" appeared with a rectilinear grid of streets, built according to European models. During this period, administrative buildings, banks, and homes of wealthy citizens were constructed from fired brick, which locals called "Nikolaev" brick. The architecture of this time is characterised by eclecticism, combining elements of Russian classicism and Art Nouveau with local building traditions.

Soviet Period: Functionalism and Standard Development

In the 20th century, Namangan's architecture changed radically under the influence of Soviet modernism and functionalism. The main task became providing housing and social infrastructure for the rapidly growing population. This period saw the reconstruction of old districts and mass construction. Large public buildings were erected, such as the Namangan Musical and Drama Theatre — one of the bright examples of monumental Stalinist architecture. Standard multi-storey residential micro-districts appeared, which still make up a significant part of the urban landscape today.

Independence Period: Modern Projects and National Colour

After gaining independence, Namangan's architecture charted a course combining modern technologies with national traditions. Large-scale landscaping projects are unfolding, and new public and business centres, hotels, and mosques are being built. Special attention is paid to creating a comfortable urban environment: new parks and green zones are appearing. Projects such as "Namangan New City" demonstrate the city's ambition to create modern "smart" districts with comprehensive infrastructure, including residential buildings, offices, schools, and extensive green territories.

Distinguished Personalities Who Left a Mark on Namangan's History

The land of Namangan has given the world a whole constellation of talented poets, enlighteners, and public figures. Their legacy remains an important part of the cultural and intellectual life not only of the city but of the entire country.

• Boborahim Mashrab (1657–1711) — An outstanding classic poet, philosopher, and Sufi. Born in Namangan (according to other sources — in Andijan), his development as a thinker and poet is closely tied to this city. Mashrab is known for his freethinking lyrics, in which he denounced the hypocrisy and injustice of the clergy and ruling circles. His work, permeated with ideas of humanism, had a tremendous influence on Uzbek literature.
• Ishokhon Ibrat (1862–1937) — An enlightener, polyglot scholar, historian, and one of the first Uzbek printers. Born in the village of Turakurgan near Namangan. He travelled extensively around the world, studying languages and sciences, and upon returning to his homeland, opened one of the first new-method schools and a printing house. His six-language dictionary "Lugati sitta-alsina" became an important manual for many Jadids.
• Yuldash Akhunbabaev (1885–1943) — A Soviet state and party figure. Although born in the Margilan district, his political activity was closely connected with the entire Fergana Valley, including Namangan. He became the first Chairman of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Uzbek SSR, effectively the first head of the republic, and held this post from 1925 to 1938.
• Usman Nasir (1912–1944) — One of the brightest Uzbek poets of the 20th century, a playwright and translator, born in Namangan. He was called the "Uzbek Pushkin" for his passionate and innovative poetry. Despite a short life, he left a deep mark on literature. In 1937, he was repressed and died in a camp.
• Sobira Kholdorova (1907–1981) — The first female journalist in Uzbekistan and a public figure. Born in the city of Chust, Namangan Region. She became the editor of the magazine "Yangi Yo'l" (New Way) and actively fought for women's rights. In 1937, she was repressed and spent many years in exile, but returned to her homeland after rehabilitation.