Situated at the western entrance of the Fergana Valley, the city of Kokand holds a significant place in Central Asian history as the seat of the powerful Khanate of Kokand. This state flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, commanding a vast territory along the Silk Road and rivalling the Emirate of Bukhara. The city's legacy as a capital is immediately apparent in its architectural heritage, most notably the sprawling Palace of Khudayar Khan, whose ornate exterior tiles hint at the khanate's former wealth and power.
As a historical centre for religious scholarship, Kokand was once home to over 300 mosques and dozens of madrasahs, earning it the moniker "the city of winds". Its strategic location established it as a paramount trading hub, connecting the valley to the deserts of modern-day Kazakhstan and beyond. Unlike its newer neighbour, the city of Fergana, Kokand's urban fabric reflects its ancient origins. Today, it remains a major industrial and transport centre for the Fergana region, with its economy driven by industries such as chemicals, machinery, and cotton processing, all built upon its rich historical foundations.
How to get to Kokand
Kokand has a railway station with trains to Tashkent. Alternatively it can be reached by car from Fergana.
Accommodation
Fergana has a few hotels, bookable via international hotel booking portals.
01 Khudayar Khan palace 02 Khudayar Khan palace 03 Khudayar Khan palace
04 Khudayar Khan palace 05 Khudayar Khan palace 06 Khudayar Khan palace 07 Khudayar Khan palace 08 Room in Khudayar Khan palace 09 Khudayar Khan Palace - roof
10 Khudayar Khan Palace - roof 11 Khudayar Khan Palace wall detail 12 Khudayar Khan Palace wall detail 13 Khudayar Khan palace 14 Tower in Khudayar Khan palace
15 Towers in Khudayar Khan palace 16 Tower in Khudayar Khan palace 17 Gardens around Khudayar Khan palace 18 Gardens around Khudayar Khan palace 19 Jami mosque
20 Jami mosque 21 Jami mosque 22 Jami mosque 23 Statue of Furqat
24 Museum of great scholars 25 Norbutabiy mosque
26 Norbutabiy mosque 27 Modari Khan mausoleum
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