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Surkhandarya is the oldest region of Uzbekistan, full of riddles and mysteries. The sunny region borders Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The centre of Surkhandarya is Termez, an open-air museum city and the southernmost point of Uzbekistan. It was here that the first human settlements were found—the remains of a Neanderthal boy in the Teshik-Tash cave in 1938.
Text by Karomat Gaffarova
Photos by Dilmurad Akhmedov
In Surkhandarya, one can see monuments of the distant past, among them Buddhist temples, ruins of settlements, ancient fortresses, and places of worship. One of the unique finds of these places is a terracotta sculpture of a seated Buddha from the first half of the 2nd century AD. The valuable artefacts of the Buddhist era found in Surkhandarya also include the heads of a Kushan prince and a warrior. There are a lot of archaeological sites in the region which are a must-see. It has a magical atmosphere. Surkhandarya's mountain villages are also worth visiting: Boysun, Sangardak, Darband Gorge, and Machai village. You can drive through giant gorges in the mountains and find traces of dinosaurs. Another unique place to visit is the Kyrk-kyz Academy, a 9th-century building with peculiar architecture of that time. This institution was once a place of education for girls from all over the world. One of the prominent pilgrimage sites for Muslims, the complex of Hakim at-Termezi, the great scholar, writer and founder of the Sufi order of sages, is also located here.
Surkhandarya region is famous for its picturesque nature. High mountains, green valleys and colourful meadows create stunning and unusual landscapes. Among the majestic mountains, one can find cosy settlements that have preserved their traditions and customs for centuries. Because of this, the region is rich in various historical and cultural events that characterise this wonderfully distinctive land.
There are a huge number of caves (Boy Bulok, Dark Star), very beautiful and unusual landscapes (Sherabad, Boysun district), and mountain villages that are worth special attention.
Surkhandarya's gastronomic culture includes a dish called Lakhchak, which has won the hearts of tourists with its unique flavour. Lakhchak is pieces of cooked, thinly rolled dough. In some ways, this dish is similar to beshbarmak, cooked in boiling water or broth. A typical serving has pieces of dough served on a large plate with vegetable gravy fried in sesame oil. Another recommended dish in Surkhandarya is tandir gosht, meat cooked in a tandoor. Its uniqueness lies in special marinating in aromatic spices and herbs. It is also cooked in the tandoor for at least 7 hours, with the lid closed and the slits bricked up.
It is also worth paying attention to the national decorative textile—suzani. One of the most delightful elements of Surkhandarya's heritage is the "oy guli," an embroidered moonflower-style ornament. The embroidery represents planets and family. Such patterns still need to be finished, leaving one element unfinished. This pattern is a lucky sign, bringing happiness and a long life.
The best times to visit are spring and autumn. The climate is milder and more pleasant in these seasons. In spring, nature comes alive, and the air temperature is very comfortable. In autumn, you can find colourful landscapes and enjoy unusual landscapes.
The Surkhandarya region is small in size but surprisingly rich in cultural heritage. It will give you unforgettable emotions!
