DISCOVERING JIZZAKH: THE HIDDEN JEWEL OF UZBEKISTAN
In the heart of Uzbekistan lies a region, with stunning landscapes, diverse fauna and flora, and rich cultural heritage. It is an invitation to explore one of Central Asia’s most enchanting secrets. Jizzakh, cradled by the Nurata ridges and kissed by the Golodnaya Steppe, beckons travellers and scholars alike to uncover its treasures. From its origins as a crucial Silk Road junction to its present-day allure, Jizzakh offers a journey through time, culture, and the splendors of nature.
Jizzakh’s strategic location as a gateway between Samarkand and the Fergana Valley has woven a complex historical narrative, marked by the passage of Sogdians, Arabs, and Bukharan Khanates. The region’s name, derived from the Sogdian for “small fort,” speaks to its historical significance in controlling the Pass of Jilanuti – a key to the riches of the Zerafshan Valley. Today, remnants of this storied past, such as the Muka fortress in the Zaamin mountains and the ancient city of Osru-shana, offer a window into the soul of Central Asia.
The area’s spiritual heritage is palpable in its numerous pilgrimage sites, which not only embody the region’s religious significance but also its potential in developing pilgrimage tourism. Places like the “Parpi Oyim” Complex, Usman ota, Novqa ota, Khojamushkent ota, Parpi ota, Sayfin ota, Savruk ota, Qulfisar ota and the complex of Said ibn Abu Vakkos offer profound experiences, set against the backdrop of Jizzakh’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Jizzakh’s geography is a canvas of contrasts, from the serene Aydar-Arnasay lakes to the majestic Turkestan Mountains. The region’s unique climate, nurtured by its surrounding ridges, has created diverse ecosystems, home to rare species of flora and fauna. The Zaamin and Nurata Nature Reserves are jewels in Jizzakh’s crown, offering sanctuary to species like Severtsev’s ram and providing a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The Zaamin State Reserve, established in 1928, is a haven for unique juniper forests and a diverse array of fauna, including species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. With an area covering 26,840 hectares, the reserve is a mosaic of mountain ranges offering a sharply continental climate and a home for about 700 species of higher plants, 48 of which are endemic.
Not far, the Nurata Nature Reserve stands as a testament to nature’s generosity. Created to preserve the special subspecies of argali – Severtsev’s ram, and the genetic variety of mountain walnut, the reserve is also a cultural treasure trove with ancient rock carvings, a thousand-year-old tree known as Oriental Biota Majrum, and historical sites that captivate the imagination.
Moreover, Jizzakh’s mineral-rich waters and healing springs present vast opportunities for wellness tourism. Sanatoriums like “Zomin” and “Marjonsuv” utilize these natural resources, offering treatments that blend traditional knowledge with the curative powers of the environment.
Jizzakh, the vibrant administrative heart of its namesake region, is a city where history and modernity dance under the Uzbek sun. Home to 141,000 people, this city rests at a serene elevation of 450 meters above sea level, cradled by the flowing Sangzor River. It’s a crossroads of culture and commerce, with the Tashkent-Samarkand railway and a major Uzbek highway threading through its bustling streets. At the dawn of the 20th century, Jizzakh was known for its artisanal bread, sheep rearing, blacksmithing, and pottery—crafts that painted the everyday with the strokes of tradition.
Today, Jizzakh pulses with the energy of modern industry, boasting enterprises in food production, textiles, chemicals, and machinery. It’s a city that values knowledge and learning, hosting the Jizzakh State Pedagogical Institute, Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, various professional colleges, and numerous schools. Yet, it’s not all work in this dynamic city; Jizzakh is also a haven for culture and relaxation, offering a rich tapestry of cultural centers, leisure parks, and tree-lined boulevards that invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of life in Jizzakh.
Beyond the hum of its industries and educational institutions, Jizzakh stands as a guardian of history and heritage. The region is dotted with 372 cultural heritage sites, including time-honoured monuments, sacred shrines, and fascinating archaeological finds. Each site tells a story, a whisper from the past, inviting those who wander among them to connect with the ancient heartbeat of this land.
Jizzakh is not just a city but a celebration of Uzbekistan’s enduring spirit, a place where the echoes of the past enrich the melody of the present. The “Iron Gate” or Temir Darvoza, once a strategic fortification on the Great Silk Road, tells stories of ancient times, battles, and the legacy of Amir Temur. Nestled at the Turkestan ridge’s base, amidst distinct peaks that merge into the Morguzar foothills, lies a passage steeped in legend and history: the Iron Gate of Tamerlane. This narrow gorge, spanning 120 to 130 metres across, slices through the landscape, drawing a line between the Nurata Mountains and the Sangzor River valley, a region famed for its breathtaking gorges. Known popularly as Amir Temur’s gate, this site holds a revered status, echoing the sacred visits of ancestors and standing as a testament to the area’s spiritual and historical depth.
Today, the Iron Gate encompasses a modern tableau with roads, railways, concrete paths, and an ancient river weaving through its 10-hectare expanse. Legend tells of a moment frozen in time when Jakhangir, Amir Temur’s grandson, unveiled the strategic prowess of this pass to his army, thereby immortalising the gorge with Temur’s name. Hidden within this historical crevice is a cave adorned with petroglyphs, silently narrating tales of Bronze Age inhabitants.
The Iron Gate’s strategic importance as a fortress hub on the Silk Road is undisputed, a fact celebrated in Babur’s esteemed “Baburname.” Known also as the Jizzakh Pass, the gorge is a canvas of history, marked by inscriptions from eras long past. These include orders from Mirzo Ulugbek in Persian, commemorations by Abdulakhan following his conquest over Dashti Kipchak, and writings by Nicholas II from the late 19th century, although time has erased the latter from memory.
This majestic portal not only serves as a gateway between realms but also as a bridge across time, offering a glimpse into the storied past of a land that was once a crucible of empires, scholars, and conquerors. The Iron Gate of Tamerlane stands as a beacon for those who seek to unravel the mysteries of history, nestled within the heart of Uzbekistan’s rich and varied landscape.
In the enchanting gorges of the Morguzar mountain range, within the Zaamin district, the village of Uvol harbours a sanctuary steeped in hope and ancient traditions. The “Parpi Oyim” Complex stands as a beacon of faith for childless women who embark on a unique pilgrimage through the “Teshiktosh” — a narrow aperture in a stone believed to bestow the blessing of motherhood. Following this sacred passage, it is customary for the women to carry pebbles from the site as talismans of their journey until their wish is fulfilled, returning these tokens of gratitude upon the birth of their child. This ritual underscores the profound connection between the local community and the divine, symbolized by the revered tomb of “Parpi Oyim” nestled in the heart of these mystical landscapes.
Further enriching the region’s spiritual tapestry is the Said ibn Abu Vakkos Complex, a sanctuary that unfolds in the serene village of Avliyo-Ota. Divided into an upper expanse, home to sacred springs and unspoiled nature, and a lower realm, where lies the tomb of Said ibn Abu Vakkos, this complex is a mosaic of spiritual and natural beauty. Crafted in the 19th century by master artisans, the mosque within the complex stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Said ibn Abu Vakkos, a revered figure in Islamic history known for his wisdom beyond his years and his close association with the Prophet Muhammad.
The story of Avliyo-Ota, dating back to the 7th century AD, intertwines with the narrative of Said ibn Abu Vakkos, an Arab commander celebrated for his early conversion to Islam and his remarkable prudence. The complex, spanning 14.2 hectares, is not just a site of historical significance but a living, breathing space where the past meets the present, as evidenced by the vibrant ecosystem within the local well, home to corals listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
In the heart of Majrum’s lush forestry stands a natural wonder that has captivated the hearts and spirits of those who gaze upon it: the Oriental Biota, a colossal tree whose life spans a millennium. This ancient sentinel, also known as Biota orientalis, is more than just a tree; it is a sacred emblem, deeply woven into the fabric of local lore and tradition. With a trunk measuring approximately 8 metres in diameter and a girth of 12 metres, this majestic being stretches its lower branches wide, gracing the earth with its presence. The expansive roots of this verdant giant offer a sheltering space for up to five individuals, a testament to its immense scale and life force.
The Oriental Biota’s revered status is emblematic of the broader allure of the reserve it calls home, a place where natural beauty converges with the echoes of history. Beyond its breathtaking mountainous vistas, diverse plant life, and unique wildlife, the region is a treasure trove of historical and cultural artifacts. From ancient archaeological relics to petroglyphs, from solemn graves to towering megaliths, the area narrates a saga of human civilization that spans thousands of years. Medieval monuments, pastoral landscapes, and remnants of age-old agricultural practices further enrich this tapestry, making the Majrum forestry not just a natural haven but a custodian of human heritage.
Amidst its natural and historical allure, Jizzakh is also a refuge for health and wellness. The Zaamin Sanatorium, situated in the National Park, utilizes the pristine environment and modern medical facilities to offer treatments that rejuvenate the body and spirit. The healing properties of the region’s mineral waters, combined with the pure air and tranquil landscapes, make Jizzakh an ideal retreat for those seeking wellness in the lap of nature.
No exploration of Jizzakh is complete without indulging in its culinary heritage. The “Jizzakh Samsa”, known for its size, juicy filling, and crispy crust, is a testament to the region’s rich gastronomic tradition. This beloved dish, embodying the generous spirit of Jizzakh, offers a taste of the region’s soul, inviting visitors to partake in a feast that delights the senses.
Akhror Burkhanov
Press Secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Uzbekistan