
Uzbekistan Regions
Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions (viloyat), one autonomous republic (Karakalpakstan), and the capital city, Tashkent. Each region has unique historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making the country a diverse destination for travelers.
Administrative Division of Uzbekistan:
Division |
Capital City |
Area (km²) |
Population (2022) |
Tashkent City |
Tashkent |
327 |
2,860,595 |
Andijan Region |
Andijan |
4,303 |
3,253,528 |
Bukhara Region |
Bukhara |
41,937 |
1,976,823 |
Fergana Region |
Fergana |
7,005 |
3,896,395 |
Jizzakh Region |
Jizzakh |
21,179 |
1,443,408 |
Namangan Region |
Namangan |
7,181 |
2,931,056 |
Navoiy Region |
Navoiy |
109,375 |
1,033,857 |
Kashkadarya Region |
Karshi |
28,568 |
3,408,345 |
Samarkand Region |
Samarkand |
16,773 |
4,031,324 |
Syrdarya Region |
Gulistan |
4,276 |
878,591 |
Surkhandarya Region |
Termez |
20,099 |
2,743,201 |
Tashkent Region |
Nurafshon |
15,258 |
2,941,522 |
Khorezm Region |
Urgench |
6,464 |
1,924,163 |
Karakalpakstan Republic |
Nukus |
161,358 |
1,948,488 |
The regions are further divided into districts.
1. Tashkent Region & Tashkent City
- Capital: Tashkent
- Key Attractions: Chimgan Mountains, Charvak Lake, Chorsu Bazaar, Hazrat Imam Complex
- Overview: The economic and cultural hub of Uzbekistan, Tashkent blends modernity with history. It features skyscrapers, Soviet-era architecture, bazaars, and vibrant nightlife. The nearby Chimgan Mountains are a popular getaway for nature lovers.
2. Andijan Region
- Capital: Andijan
- Key Attractions: Babur Memorial Park, Jami Mosque, Fergana Valley landscapes
- Overview: Andijan is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, known as the birthplace of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. It is a major agricultural and industrial center.
3. Bukhara Region
- Capital: Bukhara
- Key Attractions: Ark Fortress, Poi Kalyan Complex, Lyabi Hauz, Samanid Mausoleum
- Overview: One of Uzbekistan’s most famous Silk Road cities, Bukhara is home to over 140 architectural monuments, including ancient mosques, madrasahs, and bazaars.
4. Fergana Region
- Capital: Fergana
- Key Attractions: Margilan Silk Factories, Rishtan Ceramics Workshops, Kokand Palace
- Overview: Fergana is the cultural heart of the Fergana Valley, known for its silk production, handicrafts, and lush landscapes. It shares close ties with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
5. Jizzakh Region
- Capital: Jizzakh
- Key Attractions: Nuratau Mountains, Aydarkul Lake, Zaamin National Park
- Overview: A region of mountains, lakes, and steppe landscapes, Jizzakh is perfect for eco-tourism and adventure travel, with hiking, yurt camps, and wildlife spotting.
6. Kashkadarya Region
- Capital: Karshi
- Key Attractions: Kitab Observatory, Shahrisabz (Ak-Saray Palace, Dorut Tilovat Complex)
- Overview: The birthplace of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), Kashkadarya has deep historical roots and is also a major agricultural and energy-producing region.
7. Namangan Region
- Capital: Namangan
- Key Attractions: Chust Knives Market, Namangan Central Park, Kasansay Reservoir
- Overview: A leading region for horticulture and traditional crafts, Namangan is famous for its flower festivals and handmade knives.
8. Navoiy Region
- Capital: Navoiy
- Key Attractions: Sarmishsay Petroglyphs, Kyzylkum Desert, Rabati Malik Caravanserai
- Overview: A sparsely populated region, Navoiy is known for its desert landscapes and mining industry. It is home to ancient rock carvings and caravanserais.
9. Samarkand Region
- Capital: Samarkand
- Key Attractions: Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugbek Observatory
- Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage city, Samarkand is one of the greatest Silk Road cities, with magnificent Islamic architecture and historical landmarks.
10. Surkhandarya Region
- Capital: Termez
- Key Attractions: Fayaz Tepe Buddhist Monastery, Kampyr Tepe, Boysun Mountains
- Overview: Located on the border with Afghanistan, Surkhandarya has a mix of Islamic and Buddhist heritage. It is famous for its mountains, festivals, and unique traditions.
11. Syrdarya Region
- Capital: Gulistan
- Key Attractions: Sardoba Reservoir, Yangiobod Nature Reserve
- Overview: A small but important agricultural region, Syrdarya is known for cotton production and water reservoirs.
12. Karakalpakstan (Autonomous Republic)
- Capital: Nukus
- Key Attractions: Savitsky Art Museum, Aral Sea, Mizdakhan Necropolis
- Overview: A semi-autonomous republic, Karakalpakstan is known for its desert landscapes, disappearing Aral Sea, and rich artistic heritage.
13. Khorezm Region
- Capital: Urgench
- Key Attractions: Itchan Kala (Khiva), Kunya-Urgench (Turkmenistan border)
- Overview: Khiva, the jewel of Khorezm, is a UNESCO-listed open-air museum, offering a glimpse into ancient Khorezmian culture and architecture.
14. Tashkent Region (excluding the capital city)
- Capital: Nurafshon
- Key Attractions: Chimgan Mountains, Charvak Reservoir, Zaamin National Park
- Overview: This region surrounds Tashkent City and is known for natural attractions, hiking, skiing, and weekend resorts.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan’s regions each offer a distinct blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to the mountains of Jizzakh and the deserts of Karakalpakstan, each region has something unique to explore.
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