The archaeological site – the fortress of Akhsikent in Turakurgan district of Namangan region will be taken under enhanced protection and landscaped for further visiting of this place by tourists.
Akhsikent (Akhsi) is an ancient settlement on the right bank of the Syrdarya. The city consisted of a citadel, a shahristan – the main urban part and a rabad – the area where artisans lived. The area of the city was about 30 hectares. The citadel was separated from the city by a wall, and a deep ditch was dug along the perimeter of the outer city walls. In the city, trade and handicraft production were developed. In VII-XIII centuries in Akhsiket was one of the Central Asian centers for the production of cast crucible steel. 70 hectares of the site were occupied with the production of steel.
In the X-XIII centuries, Akhsiket was one of the major cities of the Ferghana Valley. Despite the fact that in the XIII century, Akhsikent was destroyed as a result of the Mongol invasion, even in the 15th century it was considered a large city, and Babur’s father, being the ruler of the Ferghana Valley, elected Akhsi his residence. In 1620, the city was completely destroyed by an earthquake. The population of Akhsiket, survived after the earthquake, moved to neighboring Namangan.
Within the framework of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers, scientists will continue the study of the monument and its conservation. At the same time, a commission is being set up that will take measures to develop tourism attractions around the site, which will make this place a more visited tourist destination.
