Leninabad, Tajik SSR. The city of Khujand is the cultural center of Tajikistan
Geography and climate
Quote from the St. Petersburg Gazette, 1868 (No. 215, 219):
“...Khojent is located on the banks of the excellent, high-water Syrdarya and is surrounded on all sides by mountains, along the slopes of which there are green luxurious gardens, and all this together - water, mountains and vegetation in the summer, with the local heat and droughts, gives the air favorable freshness and purity, in the winter moderation. ...Khojent is completely surrounded magnificent gardens, of which there are more here than in other areas of the region. All these orchards are fruit, the fruits grow here in amazing abundance and the surrounding cities are supplied with them...”
The formation of the climate of Tajikistan, including Khujand, is greatly influenced by the same air masses, which invade the territory of Central Asia and determine the nature and changes of weather. Precipitation in the Khujand region and throughout the Fergana Valley is mainly associated with cyclonic activity and the nature of the underlying surface.
The main role in precipitation is played by the South Caspian, Murghab and Upper Amudarya cyclones, as well as cold air masses moving from the west, northwest and north. Reaching the frontal surface of the mountains, the arriving air masses rise along this surface, cool and receive an additional effect for the formation of clouds and precipitation. All these air masses invade the Fergana Valley from the west and southwest, but on their way they collide with the western and southwestern slopes of the mountain ranges of Northern Tajikistan and they receive more precipitation than the leeward slopes, intermountain valleys and basins. Thus, on the windward slopes of the Zeravshan, Turkestan and Kuramin ranges, the amount of precipitation per year is more than 400-800 mm. This is confirmed by the fact that in winter a deep snow cover forms in these mountainous areas, which is associated with avalanches in spring period As they move deeper into the mountainous country, these air masses reach inland areas that are greatly depleted in moisture, as a result of which intermountain valleys and deep basins receive very little precipitation. For example, in Khujand the annual amount of precipitation falls: in the cold season of the year 87 mm, and the greatest amount is in March and April (25-27 mm); the smallest in the summer months (9-11 mm, Aug.).
As a rule, precipitation in the form of snow falls only at sub-zero temperatures. In the Khujand region, stable snow cover is absent in 20% of the winter, and in 3-10% of the winter it does not form at all. Here, the depth of snow cover only in February reaches an average of 1-3 cm, and is absent during the rest of the year. The highest ten-day depth of snow cover was observed in the third ten days of February - 47 cm. The average date of appearance of snow cover is December 15, and the earliest is October 31. The number of days with snow cover is exactly 21.
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Story
The history of the city goes back to ancient times. Modern historical science believes that archaic Khujand existed during the Achaemenid dynasty, that is, before the troops of Alexander the Great arrived on the banks of the Syr Darya. Having captured the city, they fortified it, calling it Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme).
In subsequent periods, Khujand more than once had to find itself in the center historical events. In the 8th century it was captured by the Arabs in the 13th century. the city offered fierce resistance to the Mongol invaders, temporarily delaying the advance of Genghis Khan's hordes to the west.
Since ancient times, Khujand, being at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, was one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Transoxiana. The Great Silk Road passed through it, connecting ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, Egypt, Iran with India, China and Japan. Khujand was the birthplace of famous astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, and musicians. One of them is Abumakhmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school, an outstanding authority in world science. In the 14th century, Kamoli Khujandi, the author of the famous gazelles, was called the “Nightingale of Khujand”. Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti. In the 19th century, cultural figures such as Toshkhoja Asiri, Sodirkhon Hafiz, and Khoja Yusuf carried out active educational work in Khujand.
On May 24, 1866, the city was occupied by the Russian army and became part of the Russian Empire. The entry into the empire of the center of a densely populated district with rich economic resources, the most important road junction between the Fergana Valley, the Tashkent oasis and the Zeravshan Valley, a large trading point, opened up new opportunities for the development of Khujand. In July 1916, Khujand was the first among the cities of Central Asia to openly oppose the colonial policy of tsarism, which tried to attract Tajiks, along with other peoples of the region, to participate in the First World War (Central Asian Uprising of 1916).
At the beginning of 1918, Soviet power was established in the city; on October 2, 1929, it was included in the Tajik SSR. During the years of Soviet construction in the city, which now bore the name Leninabad, enormous changes took place in all areas of economic, social and cultural life. In the post-war period, Khujand became the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The city's industry has become diversified, equipped with advanced domestic and foreign technology. The pride of Khujand residents is one of the largest enterprises in the republic - the silk factory. In 1991, dozens of enterprises in Khujand produced the same amount of industrial products per day as in the entire pre-revolutionary Tajikistan in a year. The industrial products of Khujand people were known far beyond the borders of our homeland. Only silk factory fabrics were sent to 450 cities of the USSR and to foreign countries. Since the 60s, Khujand has been actively expanding its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges across it. During the years of Soviet power, radical changes took place in the field of healthcare. By 1991, there were 40 medical and preventive institutions in Khujand, employing about 2.5 thousand doctors and specialists with higher and secondary medical degrees. education. Major changes have occurred in the field of public education. In 1991, there were 30 schools in Khujand, attended by about 30 thousand students.
In 1932, the Pedagogical Institute was opened in Khujand, where there were only 26 students. Today, more than 10 thousand students study at 13 faculties of this university, which was transformed into Khujand State University in 1991. During the post-war decades, literature and art reached a new peak in Khujand, a whole galaxy of poets and writers, artists and composers, and folk craftsmen grew up. Khujand became more and more beautiful, acquiring the appearance of a large, industrially developed city. In 1986, it celebrated its anniversary - the 2500th anniversary of its foundation. In connection with this Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the city was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples.
The role and weight of ancient Khujand increased even more during the period of sovereign development of Tajikistan. It was here that the most important step was taken towards ending the fratricidal war and achieving national harmony on Tajik soil: the XVI session of the Supreme Council, held in Khujand in November 1992, restored the constitutional order in the republic and promoted a new leader to the political arena - E. Sh. Rakhmonov .
Modern Khujand
Khujand lies majestically in the picturesque floodplain of the Syrdarya River at an altitude of more than three hundred meters above sea level. Today Khujand is the largest industrial and cultural center of Northern Tajikistan and the second most important city in the republic. Truly blessed geographical location and climatic conditions of Khujand. That is why the Fergana Valley, where it is located, is known as the pearl of Central Asia: the mountain landscape, the ever-flowing waters of the Syr Darya, clean air, green attire, an abundance of grapes, fruits and other gifts of nature make Khujand an eternally young garden city. Khujand is the administrative center of the Sughd region of the Republic of Tajikistan, the second city in the republic in terms of the number of inhabitants and the volume of industrial production. Located in the intermountain passage leading to the Fergana Valley, on the most important caravan trade route of Antiquity. The Syrdarya River flows within the city. From the city center to the railway station - 11 km, to Dushanbe - 341 km. Khujand is connected by railways, air and highways.
Monument to Kamol Khujandi
Installed in 1996 in honor of the 675th anniversary of the poet’s birth. Located on the Stars of Khujand square. The main idea is to convey his image as a thinker, philosopher and show his inner world. The background depicts wings, personifying the holiness of man and at the same time denoting the wings of inspiration of poetry. The poet's face is turned towards the place of his birth and towards the sunset. The height of the seated figure is 3.5 m, the wings are 5.5 m. The area occupied by the monument is 1000 square meters. m. In order to create the image of a strong man, spiritually rich, who has made many trips, the sculpture was deliberately created barefoot, since there are canons of sculpture about beauty human body. Author: artist, sculptor K. N. Nadyrov. A similar monument by the same author was erected in 1997 in Tabriz at the poet’s burial site.
Khujand fortress
An integral part of the city's fortification system. Founded in the VI-V centuries. BC e. According to data obtained by the North Tajik Archaeological Complex Expedition (STAKE), the Khujand fortress was first surrounded by a rampart, and later by a wall of considerable thickness made of adobe. The city and the citadel - components of ancient Khujand, had separate fortress walls, surrounded by a wide and deep ditch filled with water. The remains of these fortifications were discovered under the central part of the left bank of Khujand and surround the territory ancient city with an area of 20 hectares.
With the development of the economy, trade, government system and population, the city grows. In the VI-VII centuries a new fortress was built. Medieval Khujand consisted of three main parts: the citadel, Shakhristan and Rabad. The citadel was located on the banks of the Syrdaryapreno by the Khujands at the gates of Rabad. The medieval Khujand fortress was considered one of the most fortified in Central Asia.
During the invasion of Genghis Khan (1219-1220), a 25,000-strong army with 50,000 Central Asian captives was sent to besiege the city. Heroic Defense The Khujand fortress and the island located near it on the Syr Darya under the leadership of Timurmalik constitute one of the brightest pages in the history of the liberation struggle of the Tajik people. As a result of the Mongol invasion, the Khujand fortress was destroyed. According to historian Khofiz Abru, at the beginning of the 15th century the fortress lay in ruins. According to Zakhiriddin Babur, already at the end of the 15th century the fortress was restored and became the residence of the local ruler.
Masjidi Jami Mosque
Complex of Sheikh Muslihiddin, a monument of folk architecture of the 20th century. Located on the western side of Panjshanbe Square. The facade of the building faces the street. Shark. The mosque was built in 1512-1513. The multi-columned (30 columns) iwan adjoins the eastern wall of the winter hall, also multi-columned (20 columns), and enters the courtyard of the mosque. The long southern wall of the mosque without any openings faces Sharq Street. Just to the right, on the edge of the wall, there is a darvoza-khona entrance device with a deep peshtak - a portal. The arrangement of columns in the mosque is subject to a modular grid: six rows of four columns (30 modular squares) are repeated on the ivan, and five rows of four columns are repeated in the winter room. The two middle columns on the northern facade of the ivan are decorated with carvings to the full height and carry an elevated part of the architrave with massive inlaid stalactites that preserve the remains of painting. At the entrance and above the mihrab, three plank squares of the ceiling are painted, but the paints have darkened greatly and some have crumbled. The walls are covered with good carved decoration, mostly geometric motifs. Both doors of the winter hall are distinguished by fine, elegant carvings. Structurally, the building is frame with adobe filling and subsequent plastering with ganch mortar. The spaces between the frame were used to create niches for the entrance and mihrab both in the winter hall and on the ivan. The roof of the mosque is flat earthen with clay and adobe coating. The foundation on which the walls of the building stand is made of burnt brick. The courtyard of the mosque from the east and partly to the north is limited by one-story hudjras. In the north-eastern part of the courtyard there is a minaret with a traditional lantern, decorated with arched openings, from where a beautiful panorama of the city opens up. Entrance portal facing the street. Shark is distinguished by tiled cladding and carved ganch panels on the façade. The high portal represents only a front decorative wall made of baked brick, complemented on the north side by two-story adobe buildings with a wooden ivan on top. The carved gates of the portal were made in 1513-1514. Mullah Mansur (painting), Usto Shamsidtsin (ganch carving) and others took part in the decorative decoration of the mosque. The mosque, in general, has a surprisingly harmonious image and is an excellent example of the synthesis of decorative art and construction culture of Khujand.
The city of Khujand is located in the north of Tajikistan, in the picturesque valley of the Syrdarya River. Modern Khujand is the largest cultural and industrial center of Northern Tajikistan. In addition, it is considered the second largest in the republic in terms of population.
Khujand is the most ancient city of Tajikistan. According to historical data, it was founded during the time of Alexander the Great, approximately 2500 years ago. Now, this cozy city with many parks and squares, very hospitable residents. The Syr Darya, a river flowing through the city center, is considered a great place for relaxation and swimming. By the way, Khujand is the only city built on this river.
The main attraction of Khujand is the city bazaar Panchshanbe - this is one of the most famous and large indoor markets in Central Asia. Translated from Tajik, “panchshanbe” means Thursday; it was on this day that the busiest trade used to be. Next to the bazaar stands a magnificent architectural monument- mosque-mausoleum of Sheikh Muslikhiddin. Guests of Khujand can visit the city park named after. Kamola Khujandi and the fortress located next to it. The famous Museum of Archeology is located on its territory.
Coordinates: 40.29000200,69.63300700
Khujand fortress
The Khujand fortress is a historical and architectural landmark of the city of Khujand, associated with the liberation struggle of the Tajik people under the leadership of commander Temurmalik. According to data received from the North Tajik Archaeological Complex Expedition, the fortress was part of the city’s fortification system and was built in the 6th-5th centuries BC.
During the invasion of Genghis Khan, about 25,000 soldiers were sent to besiege the city, as well as 50,000 Central Asian prisoners. The courageous defense of the Khujand fortress, as well as the island located nearby, constitutes one of the most striking pages in the history of the struggle of the people of Tajikistan.
In the 6th-7th centuries, a new one was built on the site of the ancient Khujand fortress; it was considered one of the most fortified in Central Asia. At the beginning of the 15th century, the citadel was completely destroyed as a result of the Mongol invasion and lay in ruins for a long time. According to historical data, it was restored at the end of the 16th century and was the residence of a wealthy local ruler.
Currently it has been completely restored and is located here Historical Museum Sogd Region.
Coordinates: 40.28516100,69.61847300
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Masjidi Jami Mosque
One of the many attractions of the Tajik city of Khujand is the beautiful cathedral Masjidi Jami Mosque, built in 1512-1513. This building is an excellent example of the interpenetration of the construction culture of Central Asia and decorative art. Tourists are impressed by the local openwork 30-column aivan - a vaulted room surrounded by a wall on both sides. It adjoins the eastern wall of the mosque, its two middle columns are decorated with carvings, some of them have remains of painting.
The walls of Masjidi Jami are covered with beautiful carved decorations, mainly geometric motifs. The doors of the winter hall of the mosque are also distinguished by fine, elegant carvings. In the north-eastern part of the monastery there is a traditional minaret with a wonderful domed lantern and arched openings from which a beautiful panorama of the city opens. In general, the mosque has a surprisingly harmonious image, which fits perfectly with the nearby buildings of Panjshanbe Square.
Coordinates: 40.27883000,69.63037700
The deep Syrdarya River is the first longest and second deepest river in Central Asia, which flows 105 kilometers in the north of Tajikistan. It is formed by the confluence of the Naryn and Karadarya rivers in the east of the Fergana Valley.
The Syrdarya River crosses Tajikistan in the north, flowing through Osh, Sogd region and the administrative center of the second of them is the city of Khujand. The river flows through the Fergana Valley, the Farhad Mountains and the Hungry Steppe. Its waters are replenished by the rivers Angren, Chirchik, Keles and Arys. Currently, the Syrdarya River flows into the northern section of the former Aral Sea, which is now called the “Small Sea”. Today, the waters of the Syrdarya River are used for economic needs, and therefore, the volume of flow at the mouth of the river has decreased by more than 10 times over 50 years. The beauty and mystery of the Syrdarya River captivates more and more adventurers every year.
Coordinates: 40.20929400,69.39926100
West of the Fergana depression
The west of the Fergana depression is one of the most scenic spots on the territory of the Khodzhekent region in Tajikistan, which is located along a tectonic depression mountain range Tien Shan in the middle reaches of the Syrdarya River.
The Fergana depression is located between the Kurama ridge, the Mogoltau mountains and mountain range Chatkal. On the territory of Tajikistan, only its western part is located, in comparison with the entire valley, it is small in area. The only exit from it is located in the Khodzhekent region of the Republic of Tajikistan - the so-called “Bekabad Gate”, 20 meters wide. Interesting place in the west of the Fergana Depression is the Hungry Steppe, which received its terrifying name due to the lack of water and any living conditions on its territory. The absolute height of the valley in the country is 250-300 meters. The west of the Fergana Depression amazes its visitors with an abundance of colors and magnificent landscapes.
Coordinates: 39.48708500,69.09130100
Republican Museum of History and Local Lore named after. Abu Abdallah Rudaki
The Republican Museum of History and Local Lore was opened in 1958. in honor of the talented classic of Tajik-Persian literature Abu Abdallah Jafar Rudaki, which is why the building bears his name. The museum was built according to the design of the famous architect A.I. Makukha, the entrance doors for it were created by the Honored Artist Barotbek Yuldoshbekov. Here is a collection of items related to archeology, history, culture, life and customs, and the nature of Tajikistan.
The Abu Abdallah Rudaki Museum is located in the north of the city of Penjikent, on the street of the same name. The building contains eight halls, each of which reflects a separate page in the country’s history. The first three halls relate to the history of the city of Sarazm, ancient Penjikent and the Samanid state. In the following rooms you can get acquainted with ethnography, nature, and learn about the modern period of development of Tajikistan. The museum also has a separate room where interesting information about the life of Abu Abdallah Rudaki is collected. The labeling in the museum is presented in three languages - Tajik, Russian and English.
Coordinates: 39.49518000,67.59638800
Museum of History and Local Lore" of archeology and fortification
The Khujand Historical and Local Lore Museum, dedicated to archeology and fortification, is the heart of the city. It was opened on November 29, 1986 in honor of the 2500th anniversary of Khujand. The museum building is located in the eastern part of the old Khujand fortress of the 8th-10th centuries, which was restored in 1999. Once upon a time, the walls of the fortress were part of the powerful fortification system of the city.
Externally, the museum imitates the appearance of a medieval building with thick mud brick walls and high towers. Inside, in a room of 150 square meters, there are halls of the medieval history of the city, the architectural features of the buildings in it, the history of the study of Khujand and its researchers. The most valuable finds that occupy pride of place in the exhibition are ceramics from the ancient and medieval periods. It is also interesting to look at the many maps and plans of Khujand from different eras. In total, the museum has more than 1200 exhibits.
The museum is hospitably open from 8.00 to 17.00 every day, on weekends it is open from 9.00 to 16.00.
Coordinates: 40.28476400,69.63301100
Historical and Local Lore Museum of Istaravshan
The Historical and Local Lore Museum in Istaravshan became an independent museum only in 1980; before that, it had functioned since 1963 as a branch of the Historical and Local Lore Museum of the city of Khujand. Currently, it displays more than 4,300 exhibits on the archeology and ethnography of the northern part of Tajikistan, most of these were collected precisely in Istaravshan and its environs.
The museum is located in a building that is no longer in use Orthodox Church, which was built in 1865-1867. The initiator of its opening was a history teacher, Nasriddin Nazarov, who collected the first collection for the museum in 1950-1960. The exhibition covers an area of about 250 square meters and contains information about the ancient and medieval history of the city, its culture, crafts and traditional activities residents of the city - blacksmithing, jewelry, gold embroidery, wood carving.
On weekdays, the museum in Istravshan is open from 8.00 to 17.00, opening hours on weekends: from 9.00 to 16.00. Monday is a day off. Label in Tajik and English.
Coordinates: 39.91083300,69.00638900
Madrasah and mausoleum of Sheikh Massala
Madrasah and mausoleum of Sheikh Massala is architectural ensemble, which consists of a 19th-century minaret, a mosque and ancient burial grounds. This memorial ensemble is located in the historical part of the city of Khujand and was erected on the grave of Sheikh Massal Muslihiddin.
Madrasah and mausoleum of Sheikh Massala - famous monument Tajikistan. According to legend, the sheikh was originally buried in the small village of Undzhi. However, in the 12th century, his admirers decided to transfer his ashes to Khujand and erect a mausoleum. At that time, the mausoleum was a small burial chamber built of baked brick. This tomb was destroyed during the Mongol invasion. Later, in the 14th century, they decided to rebuild the mausoleum, but at the same time change the layout slightly. Now it began to look like a complex consisting of two rooms, but, alas, this building was destroyed.
In the 16th century, a structure was erected on the ruins of an old building, which became not just a burial place, but also a room for performing ritual ceremonies and prayers. Today, the mausoleum of Sheikh Massala consists of a minaret and a mosque. The modern building is two-story, has a wide dome and a portal entrance. In the center there is a tomb, a hall of remembrance, as well as a wooden tombstone, decorated with carvings with plant elements and inlays.
Coordinates: 40.28041000,69.63074000
The most popular attractions in Khujand with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Khujand on our website.
It is the second largest city in the country and one of the oldest in Central Asia. According to the 2018 census, it is home to more than 179 thousand people.
Khujand is located in a beautiful valley on the banks of the Syrdarya River, with mountains rising around it. Thanks to this location, the air in the city is fresh and clean. Khujand is not a modern metropolis, but rather an echo of Soviet and post-Soviet times. The streets of the city are calm and bright, and the people are friendly and helpful. In the markets you can buy very tasty, juicy and inexpensive fruits.
Khujand is an ancient city. No one can say exactly when people first settled here. The founding date of Khujand is considered to be 514 BC. e.
In the VI century. BC e. the city was conquered by Alexander the Great and was named Alexandria Eskhati. In the 8th century it was captured by the Arabs, and in the 13th century. - Tatar-Mongols, who almost completely destroyed the city. But thanks to its favorable location and the fact that trade routes passed through it, the city was restored. Over time, it turned into a major center of science, culture, politics and trade.
In 1866 Khujand was conquered Russian Empire and received new opportunities for development. During Soviet times, the city was renamed Leninabad.
How to get there
Khujand can be reached from the capital of Tajikistan or from Uzbekistan. A taxi from Tashkent will not cost too much. The path from Dushanbe runs through two mountain passes; the journey will take at least 5 hours.
There are trains from Dushanbe to Khujand, but this type of transport is not entirely convenient, since you have to cross the border with Uzbekistan, and inspection at Uzbek customs takes a lot of time and is scrupulous.
Planes fly from the capital to Khujand three times a day. This transportation option is not only convenient, but also allows you to admire the Pamirs from above. The airport is located 10 km from Khujand.
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Historical monuments of Khujand.
“Who knows that the first law of history is to be afraid of any lie, and then not to be afraid of any truth?”
Cicero.
Photo tours in Khujand.
According to Greek historians, in 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded a fortified fortress on the Syr Darya River, named after him. Subsequently, thanks to its advantageous geographical and strategic position, the fortress began to be intensively populated, turning into a large city in terms of its then size, which is known in history as Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata).
Question about exact location This ancient city worried scientists from different countries of the world for several hundred years, and only in the middle of the 20th century was the identity of Khujand of the 4th century BC and Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata) of 329 BC confirmed.
Taking a profitable geographical position in the Fergana Valley, Khujand flourished for a long time, grew rich, built palaces, mosques, citadels. In the 13th century, Khujand was captured and destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan.
At the end of the 14th - beginning of the 15th centuries, Khujand, together with the region, was part of the state of Timur (Tamerlane). In the 18th-19th centuries, Khujand grew greatly, becoming one of major cities Central Asia, with a territory not inferior to Kokand and Bukhara.
Khujand of the late 19th - early 20th centuries was a typical Central Asian city with crooked and narrow streets, along which adobe houses were huddled one against the other, with noisy bazaars and rows of all kinds of handicraft workshops.
Khavakanta (City of the Sun), Alexandria Eskhata (“Extreme”, which belonged to the Macedonian), Khojent (surviving Genghis Khan and Tamerlane) - all these are the names of one city, which is already more than 2500 years old.
He wakes up earlier than the capital: even before dawn, people are rushing about on business in the streets. Farmers bring goods to the famous Panchshanbe market. In the evening, when it gets dark, the parks have attractions and a lot of people walking with their families.
One version says that the name of the city comes from “khub jan” - “good people”. I am a native Dushanbe resident, and I will not say that Khujand is better in everything; but in many things it is superior to the capital.
A little cleaner, more cultured, friendlier, more careful and smarter. In the city center there are very strange place. Next to the dilapidated mosque (I was told that it is about 350 years old) there is a powerful ancient tree.
It smells like time. According to legend, Tamerlane planted it. Be that as it may, this place is so unusual that it is worth visiting there and feeling the spirit of history. The city has an ancient history. According to many historians and archaeologists, legendary city Alexander-Eskhata (Alexandria Extreme) was built by Alexander the Great on the site of present-day Khujand (5th century BC).
Since ancient times, Khujand, being at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, was one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Transoxiana.
The Great Silk Road passed through it, connecting ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, Egypt, Iran with India, China and Japan. Khojent is the second largest city in the country, located in the north of the republic, one of the most ancient cities of Tajikistan, founded during the time of Alexander the Great, about 2500 years ago.
According to Greek historians, in 329 BC, Alexander the Great founded a fortified fortress named after him on a river called Tanais, or Yaxartes (the modern Syr Darya River), which was to become the natural border of his empire, populated it with Greek warriors and the surrounding “barbarians” (that is, the local population) which, initially, of course, could not be a city in the full sense of the word.
But subsequently, thanks to its advantageous geographical and strategic position, it began to be intensively populated, turning into a large city in terms of its then size, which is known in history as Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata).
The question of the exact location of this ancient city worried scientists from different countries of the world for several hundred years, and only in the middle of the 20th century was the identity of Khojent of the 4th century BC and Alexandria Extreme (Eskhata) of 329 BC confirmed. T
There was also an assumption that Extreme Alexandria arose not out of nowhere, but on the territory of the urban center, called Archaic Khojent, which already existed on the left bank of the Syr Darya when the troops of Alexander the Great arrived there. 
Occupying an advantageous geographical position in the Fergana Valley, Khojent prospered for a long time, grew rich, and built palaces, mosques, and citadels. In the 13th century it was captured and destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan.
In the 9th - 12th centuries, Khojent consisted of the city itself (shahristan), an old fortress (kuhendiz) and a craft and trading suburb (rabad). All these parts of the city were fortified with defensive walls.
Subsequently, the city was restored and began to play an important role as a trade transit hub on the Great Silk Road. At the end of the 14th - beginning of the 15th centuries, Khojent, together with the region, was part of the state of Timur (Tamerlane).
In the 18th-19th centuries, Khojent expanded greatly, becoming one of the largest cities in Central Asia, with a territory not inferior to Kokand and Bukhara. The city had its own ruler - the bek.
Khojent of the late 19th - early 20th centuries was a typical Central Asian city with crooked and narrow streets, along which adobe houses were huddled one against the other, with noisy bazaars and rows of all kinds of handicraft workshops.
The city was divided into numerous small quarters (makhalla) with a mosque, a teahouse and a pond (hauz) required in each of them. Quarter mosques and teahouses were places where various gatherings took place local residents and issues affecting their common interests were resolved. In each quarter, a certain type of craft predominated.
Khojent was located on the border of the possessions of the Bukhara Emirate and the Kokand Khanate and for decades was the object of contention between them. In 1866, it was annexed to Russia, after which the internecine destructive wars of Bukhara and Kokand over it ceased.
After the conquest by the Russians in the 19th century, the city became the center of the county, where industry began to develop rapidly. Was held here Railway. In Soviet times, Khujand (in 1936 - 1990 - Leninabad) was the center of the Leninabad region. Many famous representatives of the Tajik intelligentsia and republican leadership were from here. 
Its former name - Khojent - remained until 1936 and, according to written sources, existed back in the 7th century. The Arab historian al-Belazuri, who lived in the 9th century, mentions Khojent when describing one of the Arab campaigns of the second half of the 7th century. However, modern historical science believes that the city existed during the Achamenid dynasty, that is, before the troops of Alexander the Great arrived on the banks of the Syr Darya.
Having captured the city, they fortified it, naming it in honor of their commander - Alexandria Eskhata. Later, Khojent more than once had to find himself at the center of historical events. In the 8th century it was captured and destroyed by the Arabs.
Five centuries later, the city offered fierce resistance to Genghis Khan, temporarily delaying the Horde's advance to the West. Since ancient times, being located at the crossroads of famous trade routes of the East, Khojent was one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Central Asia.
The so-called “Great Silk Road” passed through it, connecting Ancient Greece, Rome, Asia Minor and Egypt with China, Persia and India. Silk products and jewelry made by Khujand craftsmen were known even outside the countries of the East. The old names of city districts still remind us of the former importance of these crafts today: Pillakashon (silk reelers), Zargaron (jewelers), Sangburron (stonemasons) and others.
A medieval author who did not leave his name called Khojent “the abode of the stars of astronomical science,” but this characteristic reflected only part of the historical and cultural significance of the ancient city.
Khojent was the birthplace or place of activity not only of famous astronomers, but also mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, and musicians. One of them is Abumakhmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school, an outstanding authority in the world of medieval science.
His invention was an astronomical sextant, widely used in the largest observatories of the East - in Maraga (XIII century), in Samarkand (XV century) and Jaipur (XVII century). In the 14th century, the author of famous gazelles, the poet Kamol Khujandi, was called the “Nightingale of Khujand.”
Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti, whose work reflected issues of social inequality of the people. In the 19th century, well-known cultural figures in Central Asia, including Toshkhoja Asiri, Sodirkhon Khofiz, and Khoja Yusuf, carried out active educational work in Khojent.
After the annexation of Central Asia to Russia (1866), Khojent became one of the centers of the revolutionary movement in Tajikistan. Social-democratic organizations began to emerge here, and the labor and national liberation movements began to actively develop.
In 1916, Khojent was the first among the cities of Central Asia to openly oppose the colonial policy of tsarism, which tried to attract Tajiks, among other peoples of the region, to participate in the First World War.
The uprising quickly spread to neighboring cities and provinces and soon spread throughout Central Asia. Khojent was the first among the cities of Tajikistan to respond to the victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution.
Following St. Petersburg and Tashkent, Soviet power was established here in November 1917. In this struggle for people's power, led by the Russian Bolsheviks led by E.A. Ivanitsky, the best representatives of the Tajik workers received revolutionary training: D. Zakirov, A. Rakhimbaev, K. Nazhmiddinov, D. Shokarimov, R. Egamberdyev, A. Shermatov , K. Rakhmatbaev, Kh. Usmanov, Mavlyanbekov brothers and others.
During the years of building socialism, enormous changes took place in the city in all areas of the economic, social and cultural life of the city. The Khojent residents associated all their successes in building a new life with the name of the great Lenin. Taking into account the will of the Tajik people, the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, by its Resolution of January 9, 1936, renamed the city of Khojent to the city of Leninabad.
During the Great Patriotic War (1941 - 1945), the people of Leninabad, like all the sons of our Motherland, stood up to defend the sacred Soviet land. Thousands of city natives fought in the ranks of the Red Army against the Nazis.
Three of them - Fatkhullo Akhmedov (posthumously), Rakhimbay Rakhmatov and Saidnafe Saidvaliev became Heroes Soviet Union, many returned home with military orders and medals, including Pulat Ataev, a holder of three Orders of Glory.
Today Khujand is the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The city's industry has become diversified, equipped with advanced domestic technology.
The pride of the city is one of the largest enterprises in the republic - a silk factory. Industrial products are known far beyond the borders of Khujand - in Mongolia, Romania, Bulgaria, India, Guinea, etc.
Only silk factory fabrics are sent to 450 cities former USSR and foreign countries. In the 60s, Leninabad actively expanded its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges across it.
The right bank part included a vast park area with beaches and sports facilities. A satellite city grew, in which more than a third of the population of Leninabad lived. During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Tajik SSR and the Communist Party of Tajikistan in 1974, a monument to V.I. Lenin was unveiled on the right bank of the Syrdarya.
Name
Modern Russian name cities - Khujand, sometimes transliterated as Khojent, Khujand.
By Decree of the Supreme Council of the Tajik SSR No. 246 of February 26, 1991, the city returned its historical name.
Transport
The city is served only by numerous route taxis. Bus and trolleybus routes were abolished (in 1994 trolleybus routes was 11).
Population
Khujand is the second most populous city in Tajikistan after Dushanbe.
Geography and climate
Khujand is located on the banks of the Syr Darya, below the Kairakkum reservoir, 35 above the Uzbek Bekabad. It is part of the Fergana Valley, between the spurs of the Turkestan Range in the south and the Mogoltau Mountains in the north.
The city is located 200 km northeast of Dushanbe (341 km by road).
Climate
Quote from the St. Petersburg Gazette, 1868 (No. 215, 219):
«… Khojent is located on the banks of the excellent, high-water Syrdarya and is surrounded on all sides by mountains, along the slopes of which there are green luxurious gardens, and all this together - water, mountains and vegetation in the summer, with the local heat and drought, gives the air favorable freshness and purity, and in winter it is moderate. ...Khojent is completely surrounded by magnificent gardens, of which there are more here than in other areas of the region. All these orchards are fruit, the fruits grow here in amazing abundance and the surrounding cities are supplied with them...»
Khujand was the birthplace of famous astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, and musicians. One of them is Abumakhmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school. In the 14th century, Kamol Khujandi, the author of the famous gazelles, was called the “Nightingale of Khujand”. Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti. In the 19th century, cultural figures such as Toshkhoja Asiri, Sodirkhon Hafiz, and Khoja Yusuf carried out active educational work in Khujand.
In the Russian Empire
IN THE USSR
In the post-war period, Leninabad became the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The city's industry became diversified, equipped with advanced domestic and foreign technology; a silk factory, one of the largest enterprises in the republic, operated in the city. In 1991, dozens of enterprises in Khujand produced the same amount of industrial products per day as in the entire pre-revolutionary Tajikistan in a year. The silk factory's fabrics were sent to 450 cities of the USSR and to foreign countries.
Since the 60s, Leninabad has been actively expanding its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges across it.
In 1970, trolleybus service was launched in Leninabad.
During the years of Soviet power, radical changes took place in the field of healthcare. By 1991, there were 40 medical and preventive institutions in Khujand, employing about 2.5 thousand doctors and specialists with higher and secondary medical degrees. education.
Major changes have occurred in the field of public education. In 1991, there were 30 schools in Khujand, attended by about 30 thousand students.
Modern Tajikistan
The XVI session of the Supreme Council, held in the village of Arbob, 10 km from Khujand in November 1992, restored the constitutional order in the republic and elected E. Sh. Rakhmonov as chairman of the Supreme Council.
Culture, education
Theater. Historical, local history, archaeological museums.
In 1932, the Pedagogical Institute was opened, where only 26 people studied. Today, at 16 faculties of this university, transformed into
