Khujand - Havakanta - Alexandria Eskhata - three names one city over 2,500 years old

Havakanta, Alexandria Eskhata, Khujand - three names of one city. Khujand is the second-largest city of Tajikistan and the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on the Syr Darya at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and was a major city along the ancient Silk Road.

The same period as Samarkand and Bukhara, Khujand has been one of the centers of Asian civilization for thousands of years. Located on the Great Silk Road, it was developing trade relations with, and enriching knowledge on distant countries, from which the caravans of Khujand merchants returned. In 1986, the city celebrated its 2,500th anniversary.

Khujand is the only city built on the bank of the Syr-Darya River, one of the main waterways of Central Asia. Khujand is the site of Cyropolis (Κυρούπολις) which was established when king Cyrus the Great founded the city during his last expedition against the Saka tribe of Massagetae shortly before his death. The city existed under the Aheminid dynasty was first conquered by Alexander the Great, who fortified, then re-named it in his own honor to Alexandria Eskhata (from the Greek “Extreme”) in 329-328 BC.

In the VIII century, Khujand, having already received its modern name by that time, was captured by the Arabs. And in the years 1219-1220, upon an enduring resistance offered by the resident population, it was destroyed by the army of Genghis Khan, who razed it to the ground.

its geographical position on the Silk Road facilitated the revival of the city. The merchants who passed through Khujand, exported goods and silk fabrics, made by local crafts, importing, in their turn, novelties from distant countries of both European and Chinese civilization. Thanks to the development of economy, science and culture, Khujand became a haven for many scientists, doctors, poets, and musicians. It was the birthplace of the astronomer Abumahmud Khujandi, poet Kamol Khujandi, traveler Hodja Yusuf, musician Sodirkhon Khofiz, who were deeply respected and honored all over Central Asia.

In 1866, Khujand was occupied by the Russian colonial army, and became a part of the Turkestan Governate General. And again, its favorable geographical position caused a new round in the development of the city.

 Later, with the advent of the Soviet era, the city was renamed to Leninabad (in honor of Lenin, the leader of the October Revolution). In 1929 Khujand became a part of the Tajik SSR.

Throughout the whole history of Khujand, the city’s heart was its castle. Over 2,500 years, the Khujand fortress expanded together with the city was destroyed by the conquerors, rebuilt anew, but always continued to be a symbol of endurance of the people. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the first fortress was built in the VI-V centuries BC, and consisted of an artificial embankment gradually developed into a thick wall of natural clay. Moreover, in addition to the fortress there was a city wall occupying 20 hectares. Along the walls there were deep moats filled with water.

During the heyday of the Great Silk Road Khujand fortress was rebuilt and the city wall as well. However, the city was growing even more, and was divided into three parts: the citadel, and rabad shahristan. By that particular time, the Khujand fortress was considered one of the most inaccessible fortresses in Central Asia.

However, the fortress was fated to fall under the onslaught of the Genghis Khan’s army. In the period from 1219 to 1220 Khujand was under a siege, the number of invaders, at that, exceeded 25,000,000 people, excluding 50,000 captives, intended for work. Timurmalik, who led the defense of the fortress, could not offer resistance to the Mongol fleets and the city surrendered. The fortress was completely destroyed, and the siege of Khujand has become one of the biggest events in the history of Tajikistan.

Some historians argue that the fortress was rebuilt in the XV century, while others believe that the reconstruction began soon after the siege. However, nowadays, the Khujand fortress is the remains of walls and gates, as well as a territory of archaeological digs of the first wall foundation.

Khujand's population is mainly ethnic Tajiks - 92%, Uzbeks- 4%, and Russians -3%, others - 1%. 

The religions practiced in the city are Islam  and Christianity. The population of the city is 155,400 (2009 census), down from 160,000 in 1989. In 2015 the city's population was 172,700. Khujand agglomeration of 724,000 people (2015).

The city is home to the Khujand Fortress and Historical Museum of Sughd which has around 1,200 exhibits with most being open to the public

In the late afternoon, we saw many newly wed couples come here for post wedding ceremony photographs. It seems to be one of the most popular spots in Khujand.

Khujand’s main market is by the main square which is rather large. Its large, clean and sells everything one needs. I just loved watching the people interact with each other.

This was where we said goodbye to Faredoon our excellent guide in Tajikistan and moved onto to yet another country 

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