History of Urgench

The history of modern Urgench is inextricably linked with the fate of the ancient city of Gurganj (Konye-Urgench). The current city was founded in the second half of the 17th century, approximately in 1646, on the initiative of the Khan of Khiva, Abulghazi. Its emergence was the result of forced migration: the new settlement was initially named "Yangi Urgench" (New Urgench) to emphasize continuity with the great history of the ancient capital of Khorezm.

The formation of the city in a new location was dictated by a combination of critical natural and economic circumstances:

• Geographical factor: The main reason for the city's founding was the change in the course of the Amu Darya river. When water ceased to reach the old city, the population was forced to relocate closer to new water arteries for survival.
• Trade: Urgench quickly restored its status as a key transit point. It occupied a strategic position on the trade routes of the Khanate of Khiva, connecting the region with neighboring states.
• Security: The city was built as a fortified settlement capable of protecting residents and the wealth of merchants amidst the region's instability.

From its first years of existence, Urgench developed as a center of craftsmanship and commerce, inheriting the cultural code of its ancestors. The economic life of the early city had its own characteristic features:

• Craftsmanship: The settlers preserved the unique technologies of Khorezm masters. Pottery, weaving, and jewelry art flourished in the city.
• Irrigation farming: A complex system of canals was created around the city, allowing the surrounding lands to be turned into fertile gardens and fields, despite the arid climate.
• Architectural appearance: Early Urgench was a classic Eastern fortress city with clay walls, bustling bazaars, and block-based development (mahalla), where community life was regulated by age-old traditions.

Major Milestones in the History of Urgench

• 1646 — The Khan of Khiva, Abulghazi Bahadur, decides to relocate the population from Old Urgench and founds New Urgench at its current location.
• 18th–19th centuries — The city is fortified and develops as a significant trade hub of the Khanate of Khiva, known for its artisan quarters.
• 1873 — Urgench, along with the rest of the Khanate of Khiva, comes under the protectorate of the Russian Empire.
• 1920 — After the fall of the monarchy, the city becomes part of the Khorezm People's Soviet Republic.
• 1924 — During the national-territorial delimitation, Urgench becomes part of the Uzbek SSR.
• 1938 — The city officially receives the status of the administrative center of the Khorezm Region.
• 1952 — Completion of the Charjou — Kungrad railway, which connected Urgench with major transport arteries.
• 1991 — Urgench becomes a regional center within the independent Republic of Uzbekistan, beginning a phase of infrastructure modernization.
• 1999 — A memorial complex dedicated to the national hero and commander Jaloliddin Manguberdi is opened in the city center.
• 2018 — Launch of a railway line and express train connecting the airport and Urgench railway station with tourist-centric Khiva.

Evolution of the Urban Environment and Economy

The development of Urgench was non-linear: from the forced relocation of residents to its transformation into the region's main industrial and transport hub. The key stages of transformation that defined the city's modern status can be highlighted in the following points:

• Establishment of a Trade Hub (17th–19th centuries):
  After moving the city to a new location, Urgench quickly regained its status as an important point on trade routes. The significance of this stage lies in preserving the economic potential of Khorezm: the city became the main gathering place for caravans and a center for the exchange of goods between nomads and the settled population.
• Transformation into a Light Industry Center (20th century):
  In the Soviet period, the city transformed from an artisanal to an industrial one. The construction of cotton ginneries, silk-reeling and garment factories, as well as an oil extraction plant, formed the city's economic basis and provided employment for the rapidly growing population.
• Integration into the Global Transport Network (1952 – present):
  Connecting to the railway network and the development of the Urgench International Airport brought the city out of isolation. This is of critical importance for tourism: today the city serves as the main "gateway" for travelers heading to historic Khiva.
• Launch of the Intercity Trolleybus (1997):
  The construction of the unique 30-kilometer Urgench — Khiva trolleybus line was a landmark event. This not only solved the problem of passenger transport between the regional center and the tourist zone but also became one of the few operating intercity trolleybus systems in the world, attracting transport enthusiasts.
• Urban Planning Modernization (2000s – 2010s):
  A radical reconstruction of the central part of the city changed its architectural appearance. The widening of avenues, replacement of old single-story buildings with modern multi-story structures, and the creation of park zones (for example, Amir Timur Park) turned Urgench into a modern city with developed recreational infrastructure.
• Development of the Irrigation Network (Shavat Canal):
  The Shavat Canal, passing through the city, was landscaped and turned into an important urban planning axis. The arrangement of embankments created a new microclimate in the arid region and formed the main recreational zone for citizens.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Unlike neighboring Khiva, which is an open-air museum, Urgench is an example of modern urban planning with a clear layout. The architecture of the city reflects its status as an administrative and industrial center, where historical layers have given way to wide avenues and monumental structures of the 20th–21st centuries.

The development of the city can be divided into three key stages that formed its current look:

• Colonial Style and Brick Architecture (late 19th — early 20th century):
  After joining the Russian Empire, buildings made of burnt brick, characteristic of the "Turkestan style", began to appear in the city. These were single-story functional structures (banks, postal stations), distinguished by restraint and utility. Few examples of that era have survived to this day, as the city has been rebuilt repeatedly.
• Soviet Modernism and Neoclassicism (mid — late 20th century):
  The main architectural framework of Urgench was laid during the Soviet period. This time is characterized by:
  • General Planning: A transition to regular block development with wide straight streets and an abundance of green spaces.
  • Public Buildings: Construction of administrative facilities combining Soviet monumentalism with national ornamental motifs (ganch carving, arched elements). A vivid example is the building of the Khorezm Regional Drama Theater.
• National Style of the Independence Era (since 1991):
  Modern Urgench is characterized by eclecticism, where modern materials (glass, composite) are used in combination with traditional Eastern forms (blue domes, portals). During this period, the emphasis shifted to the creation of large-scale memorial complexes and park zones.

Iconic Architectural Landmarks

The appearance of modern Urgench is formed not by individual ancient buildings, but by large ensembles and monuments that create spatial landmarks:

• Jaloliddin Manguberdi Memorial Complex: The main dominant feature of the city center. The monument is executed in the traditions of monumental sculpture and is surrounded by a landscaped esplanade, symbolizing the heroic past of the region.
• "Avesta" Monument: A unique architectural and sculptural structure in the form of an amphitheater, dedicated to the Zoroastrian sacred book, the homeland of which is considered to be Khorezm. The object is executed in a postmodern style with elements of national symbolism.
• Shavat Canal Embankment: The city's main urban planning axis. The canal crossing Urgench has been turned into an architecturally designed recreational zone with bridges and walking alleys that set the linear structure of the city center.
• Clock Tower: A modern structure in the city center, stylized as traditional minarets, but performing the secular function of a city landmark.

Famous Personalities and Historical Figures

The history of Urgench and the Khorezm oasis is inextricably linked with the names of great rulers, scholars, and artists. The fates of these people are intertwined with the formation of the city or have become part of its cultural heritage, which is honored by local residents.

• Abulghazi Bahadur Khan (1603–1663)
  Ruler of the Khanate of Khiva, historian, and writer
  A key figure in the city's history. It was by his decree in 1646 that the population was relocated from the old city to a new site, which is considered the founding date of modern Urgench. He is also known as the author of the valuable historical work "Genealogy of the Turkmens".
• Jaloliddin Manguberdi (1199–1231)
  The last Khorezmshah, military commander
  A national hero who led the struggle against the Mongol invasion. Although he lived before the founding of New Urgench, the city considers him its spiritual patron. A majestic memorial complex in his honor has been erected in the center of Urgench, symbolizing the courage of the defenders of Khorezm.
• Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (approx. 783–850)
  Great scholar, mathematician, astronomer
  A native of the Khorezm land, whose name gave rise to the term "algorithm". Urgench, as the modern administrative center of the region, preserves his legacy: Urgench State University bears the scholar's name, and a monument to the great thinker is installed in Amir Timur Park.
• Anna German (1936–1982)
  World-famous singer, pop star
  The legendary performer was born in Urgench. This fact is a subject of special pride for the citizens. Although the German family left the city in her early childhood, the memory of the "White Angel of Variety Art" is alive, and her name is often mentioned in the city's cultural guides.
• Komiljon Otaniyozov (1917–1975)
  Singer, musician, composer, People's Artist of Uzbekistan
  An outstanding representative of the Khorezm musical school, who revived classical maqoms and epic traditions. A house-museum and a park bearing the name of this legendary artist have been created in Urgench, whose voice became a symbol of the region's musical culture.
• Khudaybergen Devanov (1879–1940)
  The first Uzbek photographer and cinematographer
  A pioneer of visual arts in Central Asia. A native of Khorezm, he captured unique footage of life in the region at the turn of eras. His work laid the foundations of Uzbek cinema, and his legacy is studied and popularized in the cultural institutions of Urgench.