| Andijan / Andizhan Andijon / Андижон |
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| Bobur Square | |
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Andijan / Andizhan
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Uzbekistan |
| Province | Andijan Province |
| Population (1999) | |
| • Total | 323,900 |
Andijan or Andizhan (Uzbek: Andijon / Андижон; Russian: Андижан) is the fourth-largest city in Uzbekistan, and the capital of the Andijan Province. It is located in the east of the country, at , in the Fergana Valley, near the border with Kyrgyzstan on the Andijan-Say River. It has a population of 323,900 (1999 census estimate).
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Arab geographers from the tenth century and later give the name as Andiyon, Andukan, Andugan, and Andigan. The etymology is unknown; the traditional explanation links it to the Turkic tribal name Andi.[1]
The city of Andijan is located in the eastern point of the chain of the first settlements of the early civilizations of Fergana Valley. Study of the history of Andijan began nearly 100 years ago. At different times in the city was historical-ethnographic and archaeological excavations scientists A.k. Pisarčik, v.i. Kozenkova, b. Abdulgazieva, s. Jalilov and others. Detailed archaeological research of the city were carried out in 80-ies of the last century by the Institute of archaeology of the Academy of Sciences. Information about the structural and spatial location of Andijan, meet on a topographic map, 1893. At stake were the quarters, mosques, mausoleums, the streets of the city. Archaeologists researching historical locations such as Andijan, Čordona, Sarvontepa, Âkkatepa, Koštepa, Ark ichi, Shakhristan.
In subsequent years, in the process of archaeological research and excavations revealed findings related to VI-IV centuries BC found that cultural monuments associated with the ancient history of Andijan, are located in the South-Western or central part of the city-Sarvontepe and its environs. Approximately 4 metres deep was discovered archaeological complex 1 meter wide, built 2400-2600 years ago. According to excavations in 2007, the complex occupies an area of several hectares. Naturally, in the context of Central Asia will reclaim the farming population, lived and built large and small settlements close to the water. Andijan is no exception. According to the Academician A. R. Muhammadžanova, the origin of the term "Andijan" associated with water. In other words, the term Turkic-Mongol origin, had the meaning "settlement near the saya (water)".
In the first quarter of the 13th century, Andijan was the capital of Fergana region. Both Babur, Ark Andijan wrote on its largest was in Maveraunnahre following after Samarkand and cache. At that time in Andijan also operated his Mint.
Consequently, Andijan is located in one of the hotbeds of Central Asia, which appeared early farming, formed the first samples of urban culture. In this territory were the ruins of an early city Dalvarzina (IX-VII centuries BC) and the ancient city of Èjlatona (VI-III centuries BC). To its geopolitical location Andijan served as a bridge between Bactria, Sogdiana, Chach with China (East Turkestan).[2]
Andijan was an important stop on the Silk Road, lying roughly mid-way between Kashgar and Khodjend. Destroyed by Genghis Khan, it was rebuilt by his grandson Kaidu Khan in the late 13th century, and became the capital of Ferghana for the next three centuries. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur (Babur), who founded the Mughal dynasty that ruled much of today's India, Pakistan, and South Asia, born in 1483.[3][4]
The city was the center and flashpoint of the Andijan Uprising of 1898, in which the followers of Sufi leader Madali Ishan attacked the Russian barracks in the city, killing 22 and injuring 16-20 more. In retaliation, 18 of the participants were hanged and 360 exiled.[5]
On December 12, 1902, much of the city was leveled by a severe earthquake, which destroyed up to 30,000 homes in the region, and killed as many as 4,500 residents.[6]
During the Soviet Union, Andijan was separated from its historical hinterland when the present borders were created, dividing Ferghana Valley between three separate Soviet republics. Andijan itself became part of the Uzbek SSR. The borders did not make a great deal of difference during the Soviet period, as the entire region was developed to grow cash crops such as cotton and silk.
During World War II many Soviet citizens were evacuated to Andijan and the surrounding republics.
In the 1990s, though, the Andijan and the surrounding region became much more unstable. Poverty and an upsurge in Islamic fundamentalism produced tensions in the region. The town, and the region as a whole, suffered a severe economic decline following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Repeated border closures badly damaged the local economy, worsening the already widespread poverty of Andijan's inhabitants. Islamic fundamentalists established a presence in the city. In May 2003, a local man named Azizbek Karimov was arrested and accused of carrying out terrorist bombings on behalf of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. He was convicted and executed in April 2004.
On May 13, 2005, Uzbekistan's military opened fire on a mass of people who were protesting against poor living conditions and corrupt government. Estimated casualties range from 187 to 5,000. The government of Uzbekistan first blamed the murders on terrorists, but after the requests for independent investigations by Western countries, the government acknowledged its fault. The number of killed people is disputed, as no independent investigations were allowed.
Andijan is an industrial center in an irrigated area that produces fruits, wheat, cotton, Uzbek Ikat and silk.
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