Translated from Persian, Shakhrisabz means “Green City”, this definition quite applicable to Shakhrisabz as this city is really buried in verdure of orchards and vineyards.

According to administrative division, Shakhrisabz refers to Kashkadarya region (viloyat) of Uzbekistan with center in Karshi city. Quite small in size, Shakhrisabz is located in only 80 km south of Samarkand, near Gissar and Zeravshan chains, at the interflow of Aksu and Tankhoz rivers. Its altitude is 622 m. Distance between Tashkent and Shakhrisabz is 410 km and from regional center of Kashkadarya region-Karshi city - 100 km. Through Shakhrisabz runs international highway starting in Tashkent - the Big Uzbek Tract. Along this way in 13th century toured world-wide known traveler Marko Polo. The road from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz may seem most attractive. The road is running through Takhtakaracha high-mountain pass in Zeravshan region.
The climate in the city, like major part of the Republic, sharp continental, with average temperature in January fluctuating from 0 до +8°С, in July +28°С. Annual quantity of days with temperature lower than +5°С is only 75, and higher +5°С - 290 days. Annual precipitation level is 545 mm, number of snowy days - 22.

Shakhrisabz - one of the ancient cities in the world and could be of the same age as Rome, Athens, Samarkand and Jerusalem. By some sources, people’s settlements here existed even in 1700 B.C., i.e. admittedly, nowadays it counts about 2700 years. In medieval, during its flourishing period, due to advantageous geographic location, Shakhrisabz was one of important trade centers on the Great Silk Road.

UNESCO has decided Shakhrisabz to be one of the ancient cities of the world’s civilization and included it to the list of World’s Heritage Memorials. Under the aegis of UNESCO, in 2002 Shakhrisabz celebrated its 2700th anniversary.

Commemorating city anniversary, on November 1 was held scientific conference: “Role of Shakhrisabz in the world history”. On the conference were conducted reports by Sagdullaev A., Sulaimonov R., Isokov M., Koraboev U., Uvatov and other known scientists devoted to the history of the city. Also here were conducted reports by the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan Yuldashev B. and resident representative of UNESCO in Uzbekistan Michael Barry Lane.

Hindsight.
World’s history reserved remarkable place for Shakhrisabz, founded, in the opinion of the academician Bartold B.B., in the period of greco-bactrian culture (3 - 2 centuries B.C.). Many -meter layer of settlement excavated by archeologists witnessed ancient history of the city. Here were found articles made of ceramics and terracotta referring to early A.D. centuries. In due time the city with dignity survived invasions of Persian tsars Dariy and Kir, Alexander of Macedonia. In 8th century Shakhrisabz was one of the main centers of people’s movement against Arabs lasting more than 25 years and leaded by rebel Mukanna (translated to Russian “covered with blanket”).
Here the leader of powerful anti-Arabic rebellion, well-known as Khashi-ibn-Khakim, found his last refuge and excruciating death.

Ancient Shakhrisabz, in the Middle Ages called “Kesh” and also “Nautaca”, was a traditional center of folk crafts and famous for its embroidery artworks highly commended during International Exhibitions in Canada, Turkey, Japan and other countries.

On April 9, 1336 Shakhrisabz became hometown of great commander and founder of the Temurids Dynasty - Amir Temur. He was born in 12 km from the city, in Khodja Ilgar village. Here he spent his childhood and youth. During 35 years of ruling, Temur in every way reinforced and decorated his hometown. That time historical significance of the city, as non-official capital of his powerful empire, increased. Shakhrisabz welcomed delegates and businessmen from big countries of Europe and Asia. Its natives became ambassadors in Byzantine, Genoa, Castile, Egypt, China, etc. Foundation of a strong centralized state promoted boom of trade, crafts, construction, art and science. Shakhrisabz formed peculiar socio-cultural life. Famous theologians, scientists, craftsmen who constructed palaces, mosques, mausoleums. Following Tamerlane’s order, in 14th century Shakhrisabz was surrounded with new fortified wall.

Special attention deserves Palace of Ak Saray (“White Palace”), its construction started in 1380 and finished only 20 years later. Decoration works continued up to 1404. This magnificent building brightly embodied inexhaustible creativity of folk craftsmen. At the top of Ak Saray’ portal in huge letters was written: “If you want to challenge our power- look at our buildings”.

Spanish delegation stayed in ancient Kesh on the way to Tamerlane’s court in Samarkand. Spanish ambassador, Rue Gonzales de Klavikho described ancient Shakhrisabz like this: “… the city was surrounded with ground wall and deep moat, draw bridges at the entrance gates”.

During epoch of Tamerlane and the Temurids, the city became one of oriental cultural centers. Great scientists and poets Navoi, Djami once visited it. Ulugbek lived here.

Shakhrisabz today.
Modern Shakhrisabz represents not a big city with own production. Ginnery-is the oldest plant in the town. During late years the plant experienced alternate reconstruction. Its output has been considerably increased. The plant produces cotton fiber, lint, seeds.

Well-known is vinery production. Check wines “Shirin” and “Vassarga” won gold medals and “Kaberne-liqueur” wine-in its turn, silver medal during international wine contest. Presently, high-paying concern has been equipped with automatic lines and modern equipment.

Articles of local industry are on special demand both in the Republic and beyond. Since old times Shakhrisabz had been famous for skilled carpet-makers and fine embroidery. Handicraft crews of folk trading in 1928 formed new art factory “Hudjum”. The factory constantly expanded production, updated equipment, improved its technological processes. Traditionally, skillful dynastic craftsmen teach young workers the art of carpet-making. Famous Shakhrisabz skullcaps sold not only in Uzbekistan but also many countries of all continents. During international exhibitions of the last decade held in Montreal, Japan skullcaps and embroidery of “Khudjum” won gold medals. Among goods produced by famous factory: colorful national dresses, carpets, suzane, dresses, shawls, bags, etc.

Another quite big enterprise is cannery. Annually its automatic lines output various cans, for instance: tomato paste, tomato juice, jam, sauces, marinades and other food products.

One of large-scale enterprises is “Uzselkhoztechnika”. This enterprise is the oldest one in Shakhrisabz. It was founded in 1930 as machine-tractor station. That time station had a few imported tractors “Caterpillar” and “Fordson”. Nowadays, it owns hundreds of domestic high-capacity tractors, combines, earthmoving machines, etc. Representatives of 11 nationalities work together as one family. Territory of the enterprise occupies 13 hectares. Here and there planted shady orchards.

Not so long time ago, commemorating city’s anniversary, were restored such historical monuments and complexes as Ak Saray, Daraut-Tilovat, Dorus Saodat, Chorsu covered market, madrasa Chubin. Large-scale work on further activity improvement has been carried out in such spheres as construction, land rehabilitation, gas and drinking water supply, communications, transportation, healthcare and public utility services.

Upon turning into modern city, Shakhrisabz has not lost its significance as an interesting center of medieval architectural monuments. City construction and reconstruction of streets and squares has been carried out without harmful influence on ancient architecture. City-architects skillfully fit contours of ancient constructions into the new image of the city.

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