Navoi, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is known for its rich ancient history, some of historical monuments date dozens of centuries back. There are cities that were conquered by Alexander the Great and destroyed by Genghis-khan. They preserve trails of camel caravans and ancient cultures.

Navoi city is unique, because unlike majority of the cities in Uzbekistan it is very young. In fact, Navoi city is the youngest city in Uzbekistan. Uzbek government started construction of the building in 1958. The city was meant to become center of extractive industries of Uzbekistan and it did. Today Novi city is known for extraction one of the purest golds in the world and significant stocks of precious metals, raw materials, and gas.

Although, Navoi is only 60 years old, which looks miserable comparing to cities like Samarkand or Khiva, Navoi is a very interesting place to visit. This oasis in Zarafshan valley, today, is a large industrial center of western Uzbekistan. The name of Navoi city means “melodious”. Capital of Navoi province was named after a famous poet, scientist, and statesman Alisher Navoi. He served as vizier to Husayn Boyqaro, one of the Timurids.  The heritage of Alisher Navoi consists of 30 collections of poems, academic labors, and tractates that unfold spiritual life of Central Asia in the end of 15^th century. Suleiman the Magnificent highly honored Navoi’s works and kept some of them in his library.

Despite the fact that Navoi city is only 60 years old, its surroundings have rich history. It used to be the part of the Great Silk Road and was named Kermine. Back then, it was a part of the Emirate of Bukhara. Also, archeological works revealed footprints of the scythians and khwarezmians. Because of those ancient settlements Navoi city has some wonderful sightseeing places.

Sarmish gorge is located in the suburbs of Navoi, it is known as one of the biggest rock art gallery in the world. There is also religious complex Chashma – pilgrimage for Muslim people.