This cultural center in eastern Uzbekistan has ancient roots from the Achaemenid Empire era, with landmarks like the Kukaldosh Madrasah and active bazaars selling regional goods.
Founded in 1876 in eastern Uzbekistan, Fergana has wide boulevards with century-old oak and plane trees. The city center contains well-preserved Russian Empire buildings, including an 1877 general's mansion that now houses the Regional Theatre. You can watch performances at the theatre, examine local artifacts at the Museum of Local Studies, or take a 30-minute drive to Chimen's mineral springs for a therapeutic bath.
Russian Architecture and City Layout
The streets of Fergana spread in a semicircle from what was once a military fortress. Oak trees, poplars, and plane trees create shade corridors along the main streets. The Governor's House (now Regional Theatre) and the Military Assembly building represent the 19th-century Russian architectural style in the city center, with their distinctive columned entrances and symmetrical facades.
Climate and When to Visit
Winter temperatures drop to -2.6°C in January, while summer heat reaches 35.1°C in July. The city gets less than 188mm of rainfall annually, mainly in winter and spring. April-June and September-October have mild temperatures around 20-25°C, ideal for walking tours and outdoor exploration.
Transportation Hub
A daily train connects Fergana to Tashkent, taking 3-4 hours. From the main bazaar, shared taxis run regular routes to nearby towns. You can reach Margilan's silk workshops in 20 minutes or Rishton's pottery centers in 40 minutes by taxi.
Local Industry and Development
Since 1908, when the first oil refinery opened here, Fergana has been crucial to Uzbekistan's petroleum sector. The city now has multiple refineries processing oil and natural gas, alongside fertilizer manufacturing plants. Recent developments include new sports complexes and covered markets throughout the city center.
Day Trips from Fergana
At Chimen resort, Central Asia's largest health facility, you can swim in mineral pools and receive medical treatments. The mountain village of Shakhimardan, 55 kilometers south, sits at 1,550 meters altitude, surrounded by fruit gardens and grape vines. In Margilan, 12 kilometers away, you can watch silk weavers work on traditional looms in workshops that maintain centuries-old techniques.
