Namangan is one of the regions located in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan. Namangan City is the administrative center of the. The city got its name from the phrase "Namak Kan", which translates from Persian as "salt mine". Archaeologists have found traces of ancient people who settled here at the beginning of our era. In honor of the salt mine, the city later received its name because there was a lake on its territory where locals mined table salt.
Namangan is located near the Qurama and Chatkal mountain ranges of the Tien Shan. Therefore, Namangan has a very beautiful nature and mountainous climate. Namangan is also known as the center of crafts in Central Asia. The famous Chust knives are made in the city of Chust in the Namangan region. Chust knives were even marketed in La Seda and are differentiated from other knives by their quality and sharpness. Tourists often visit Namangan to buy and learn about the production of Chust knives. Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Namangan:
The Hoja Amin Mausoleum
The Hoja Amin Mausoleum stands as Namangan's most famous madrasa, meticulously capturing its surroundings with photographic precision while presenting the historical narrative of numerous generations. Erected in the 18th century, this monumental structure is among the largest mausoleums in the world and has a rich and captivating history. Among the local population, it has the nickname "Hojamning qabri" (Tomb of Hoja). Adorned with arched doorways, the side facades display ornate decorations. The main entrance to the building has an elongated configuration, deviating from the conventional norm. Its strategic location and the inclusion of a spacious hall with excellent acoustics made it a vital center of Namangan's cultural and religious life for several decades.
Aksikent
Located near Shahand in the Turakurgan district of Namangan, Akhsikent comprises an ancient settlement with a historical span of more than 2,500 years. Ongoing scientific excavations have yielded valuable information over time. Recent research by the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan has revealed significant finds, which have substantial importance in terms of archaeological exploration and preservation of national heritage. Al-Tabari's works attest that Akhsikent, known as Ferghana, was identified in the early 8th and 9th centuries, a fact corroborated by archaeological artifacts. During the Samanid rule (9th-10th centuries), Akhsikent became a key political, social, and economic hub within the Fergana Valley.
On the eastern outskirts, a mosque dating from the 10th-11th centuries was discovered. Its rectangular design is adorned with intricately carved pillars, displaying different motifs. In the early 13th century, the region fell victim to nomadic Mongol raids, resulting in the devastation of Akhsikent. However, during the second half of the 14th century, the settlement experienced a resurgence. A new city emerged, anchored in a fortified citadel that housed an interior urban enclave. The Timurids, with a notable contribution from Umarshaykh, spearheaded the revival of the city, designating it as the capital. This revival is well documented in Baburname.
Muvlon Buva
Catching the attention of travelers, the Muvlon Buva resort was commissioned in 1806 by a Kokand ruler to commemorate a local poet buried there. The Muvlon Buva encompasses a small funeral prayer mosque. The entrance is flanked by rectangular and arched niches, while decorative arcades adorn the main façade. The use of hook, a plaster-based material, was common in interior decoration. The walls are adorned with oil paintings, particularly the mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca, which features a panel depicting a vase of flowers.
Adorned with arched entrances, the side facades display ornaments. Geometric patterns harmoniously intertwine with Arabic verses, an organic fusion. Poets familiar with Mavlon Buva have inscribed numerous dedicated poems on the walls of Ziyarat Hona, where a collection of poems is also located.