Fergana

Nestled within the fertile expanse of the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan, the city of Fergana serves as the administrative heart of its eponymous region. Founded in 1876 by Russian Imperial authorities and initially named New Margilan, the city's layout is distinguished by its planned, grid-like street structure, a contrast to the organic growth of older Central Asian settlements. Fergana itself is not an ancient city, but it acts as a strategic gateway to a valley steeped in history, being one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Central Asia.
The city’s economy is intrinsically linked to the valley's renowned agricultural productivity, particularly the cultivation of cotton, and it functions as a processing centre for these raw materials. Key local industries include oil refining, food processing, and the manufacture of chemical fertilisers. Furthermore, Fergana is an important hub for craftsmanship, with the surrounding towns of Rishton and Margilan famous for their ceramic pottery and traditional silk ikat fabrics, respectively. While the city boasts parks and museums, its primary significance lies in its commercial and transport role, connecting the rich resources of the valley to wider national and international markets.
How to get to Fergana
Fergana has an airport with daily direct flights to/from Tashkent.
Accommodation
Fergana has several hotels, bookable via international hotel booking portals.