Fergana - a bright pearl of Central Asia
Fergana is a young green sunny city located in the South of Fergana Valley. Initially the city was called New Margilan since the construction of a new area was located not far from Margilan. The territory received its real name “Fergana” in 1924.
The lands of Fergana region were described in the ancient sources of China in the 2nd century BC where people talked about the land, life, culture and called this area the cradle of human development.
In the ancient times the Fergana Valley was part of the Kushan kingdom yet maintaining its autonomy. In the Middle Ages thanks to mineral deposits there was an increase in the development of artisan work and the number of settlements. Fergana goods began to be produced on the territory of the valley and over time the indigenous population opened trade relations with neighboring peoples.
In 1875 the capture of Fergana Valley began. As a result, the tsarist troops of Russia conquered the Kokand Khanate and annexed it to the land of the tsarist empire.
By order of General Skobelev a new city called New Margilan was built to manage local cities and accommodate the royal military garrison.
Since the new city was built on the desert southern lands there are no architectural monuments here except for buildings built during the reign of the Tsarist Empire. The building of the Military Assembly built in 1878-1879 is considered the oldest building in the city. Over time this building turned into a cinema hall with a two-story extension.
The following architectural structures have survived up to this day:
- The Governor’s House – the building of the Drama Theatre at the present time.
- House of Assistant Governor
- Military Assembly – House of Officers
Development of Fergana in the 21st century
One of the leaps of growth and development of Fergana found in the 20th century. This was a period of industrial sector that continued into the 21st century. Now on the territory of Fergana region there are many farms, workshops to produce ceramics, fabrics, folk art.
Not so long ago, at the beginning of 2021, they started producing paper from stone in Fergana. The President of Uzbekistan himself visited an enterprise where it is planned to produce about 9000 tons of stone paper per year based on a unique technology from China.
