Akhsikath

Ahsikent (also called Ahsikant) is a site of ancient settlement. It is located on the right branch of the Sirdarya River in the Turakargan district of the Namangan region of Uzbekistan (40°53′12″N 71°27′02″E). It is currently under consideration for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The majority of population in Aksikent (like those of near-by Kosonsoy and Chust) are ethnic Tajiks.

Site Description

Ahsikent occupies an area of more than 25 hectares. The city was founded between the 3rd - 2nd centuries B.C., and functioned up to 1219 A.D. It has been completely destroyed by Mongolian forces. The city structure consisted of the citadel, Shakhristan - the city itself and the rabad (suburb) of the city. All three parts of the city have been enclosed by the fortification. The palace of governors and zindan (prison) were situated in the arc. There was a city market, cathedral mosque, and a khouz, erected from baked brick in Shahristan. The craftsmen's area was located in the rabad. Metallurgical production in Ahsiket was known far beyond Central Asia. It was the only place in Central Asia where very high-quality steel - known as Damascus or Damask steel - has been produced. At Ahsikent there was discovered a bath constructed in the 2nd century A.D. After the Mongolian invasion, new Ahsikent arose 5–6 km to the west of the ancient city. According to historical data, the known poet and historian - Babur, grandson of Amir Temur, was born here.

World Heritage Status

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on 18/01/08, in the Cultural category.