TERMEZ
Termez is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, located on the right Bank of the Amu Darya river, which borders Afghanistan. According to legend, the founder of Termez is the first king of Bactria – Zoroaster. The first written mention dates back to the VI Century BC. in 2002, the 2500 anniversary of the city was celebrated.
The city appeared on the site of a convenient crossing over the Amu Darya, on its right Bank. It was here that the armies of Alexander the great invaded the land of Central Asia in 329 BC.
As part of the Kushan Kingdom (from the first to the third century ad), Termez became an important center for the spread of Buddhism. In 705, the city was captured by the Arabs and brought a new religion to the region – Islam. In the IX—XII centuries, Termez was a major city, trade, craft, scientific and cultural center. At this time, the length of the city’s defenses was 10 kilometers, and there were 9 gates. In the IX—XII centuries, Termez was part of the Ghaznavid, seljukid and Karakhanid States. In 1206, the city became part of the state of khorezmshakhs. In 1220, after a two-day siege, the city was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s troops. In the second half of the XIII century, Termez was restored in a new place East of the old city, was part of the Timurid state, then the Sheibanids. By the second half of the XVIII century, the city fell into disrepair. In 1893, the land in the area of Termez was transferred by the Emirate of Bukhara to Russia, which built a powerful border fortifications and a river port on the Amu Darya on this site. During the years of Soviet power, industrial enterprises were built, a pedagogical Institute and a theater were opened. During the Soviet military Afghan campaign (1979-1989g. )Termez was an important military base, a military airfield was built, and a road and railway bridge over the Amu Darya (“bridge of Friendship”) to Afghanistan.
Today Termez is the capital of Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan with a population of about 150 thousand people. Termez is the southernmost city of Uzbekistan. Termez is one of the hottest cities not only in Uzbekistan, but also in the entire territory of the former USSR ( in summer, the air temperature here reaches +47 °C ). During the years of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( since 1991). Termez has become even more beautiful, the streets of the city were expanded, roads were restored. Magnificent buildings were built in the Eastern style, a market and recreation Park were landscaped, modern administrative buildings and sports complexes, museums, theaters, cinemas and centers of education and enlightenment.