Khujand – Gateway to History and the North

Khujand, the second-largest city in Tajikistan, lies in the fertile Fergana Valley in the country’s north and boasts a history stretching back over 2,300 years. According to Greek historians, the city was founded in 329 B.C. by Alexander the Great, who built a fortress on the banks of the River Yaksart (now the Syr Darya), marking the northeastern boundary of his empire. He named the settlement Alexandria Eschate — “Alexandria the Furthest.”

While initially no more than a fortified outpost, its strategic location soon attracted settlers. Over time, it grew into a major urban center of the ancient world. Archaeological research conducted in the mid-20th century confirmed that ancient Alexandria Eschate and modern Khujand are one and the same — and that the area may have already been inhabited by the time Alexander arrived.

A City of Empires and Traditions

Khujand’s prosperity has long been tied to its position in the heart of the Silk Road. The city flourished as a cultural and trading hub, accumulating wealth and developing urban architecture including palaces, mosques, and fortifications. It experienced significant devastation in the 13th century when Genghis Khan’s forces swept through Central Asia, but it was later rebuilt and regained its status as a trade center.

By the 9th–12th centuries, the city had evolved into a three-part urban complex: the Shahriston (city center), Kuhandiz (citadel), and Rabad (suburb of artisans and merchants), all protected by defensive walls. Under the Timurid Empire in the 14th–15th centuries, Khujand continued to thrive. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it had become one of Central Asia’s most prominent cities, alongside Bukhara and Kokand, and was ruled by local beks.

At the time, Khujand was characterized by its tightly packed mahallas (neighborhoods), each with its own mosque, teahouse, and pond. These districts were often centered around a particular craft or trade, and the communal life of residents revolved around these local institutions.

From Imperial Conquest to Soviet Rule

The city’s strategic importance made it a flashpoint between the Bukhara Emirate and the Kokand Khanate, until 1866, when Khujand was annexed by Tsarist Russia. In 1929, during the Soviet national delimitation process, the Khujand region was transferred from the Uzbek SSR to the Tajik ASSR.

In 1936, the city was renamed Leninabad in honor of Vladimir Lenin. This name remained until 1990, when the historical name Khujand was officially restored following Tajikistan’s move toward independence.

Modern Khujand: Culture and Color by the Syr Darya

A highlight for visitors is the Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in Central Asia. Its name, meaning “Thursday” in Tajik, refers to the traditional market day. The bazaar is a bustling mosaic of sounds, scents, and colors — especially rich with local fruit, vegetables, and traditional goods.

Today, Khujand is a vibrant, green city — a cultural, educational, and industrial hub of northern Tajikistan. It remains the only city in the country located directly on a major river. The wide banks of the Syr Darya, which flows through the city center, provide pleasant areas for swimming, walking, and leisure.

Next to the bazaar stands the Sheikh Muslihiddin Complex, named after a revered 12th-century poet and religious leader. Although much of the original architecture has not survived, fragments of the early mausoleum remain and are incorporated into later structures.

Historical Highlights

Khujand Fortress: Located near Kamol Khujandi Park and the Syr Darya River, this fortress dates back to the 7th–8th centuries. Originally surrounded by massive mud-brick walls, it was rebuilt in the 13th century and now houses the Museum of Archaeology and Fortification.

City Walls: In the 18th century, Khujand was completely walled. Today, over 1 km of the original 6 km wall still stands, particularly on the western and eastern sides of the city.

Mahallas: These traditional districts still reflect old Khujand’s communal lifestyle and historic layout, especially in the older quarters of the city.

Qayraqqum Reservoir — The «Tajik Sea»

About 20 km east of Khujand lies the Qayraqqum Reservoir, a massive artificial lake formed by damming the Syr Darya River. Known as the “Tajik Sea”, this water body stretches 65 km in length and up to 20 km in width, with a maximum depth of 18 meters during summer months. Its name comes from the Tajik words for “stony desert,” referring to the barren terrain around it before the dam’s construction.

The reservoir supports local irrigation, energy production via the Qayraqqum Hydroelectric Power Station, and tourism. Its shores are home to sanatoriums, recreation areas, and hotels, including the well-known Tajik Sea Hotel — a popular weekend retreat for locals and tourists alike.