Khujand

2,500 years ago, at the height of the Persian Empire, Cyrus the Great was said to have founded a settlement on the far reaches of their empire, in what is now known as Khujand. A couple hundred years later, Alexander the Great in his unprecedented march and conquer east, “founded” another city, likely the same as Cyrus earlier, and named it Alexandria the Furthest. Fortifications were established, wealth was brought in abundance, and the city grew in importance as the years passed. Khujand soon became a favorable location for the trade routes across Eurasia due to its relatively flat terrain in the Fergana Valley, and its abundance of goods and produce. Khujand once again changed names by another conquerer in the 20th century - Leningrad.

A visit to Khujand today reveals windows into its ancient past. Modern establishments and conveniences still mix with ancient traditions, such as the Pashanbe Bazaar, a gigantic, covered trading center selling goods of every sort. It is one of the largest and most authentic remaining bazaars in all of Central Asia. Towards the river, remnants of the ancient fortification are still present, mingling with reconstructions of the fort, a peaceful park, and families leisurely enjoying the evening unfold. Khujand receives much fewer visitors as its neighboring Silk Road cities, but it retains an authentic charm that is difficult to describe. Rather, it is best to spend a few days here and observe a lifestyle mixing old and new.