The Directorate for Protection and Research of Akhsikent archaeological heritage site, established by the khokimiyat of Namangan region, started its work.

The Directorate for Protection and Research of Akhsikent archaeological heritage site, established by the khokimiyat of Namangan region, started its work.

The main tasks of the state unitary enterprise are the protection and research of the archaeological heritage site “Akhsikent”, protection and preservation of the memorial complex at the proper level, organization of archaeological searches, excavations and archaeological control by archaeologists who received permission for these works in the established order, development and implementation of scientific historical concept of the complex on the basis of deep scientific and archaeological research.

The main directions of activities of the enterprise will also be a detailed study of sources stored in the country and abroad about the city of Ancient Akhsikent with involvement of qualified specialists, scientists and experts, organization of international scientific conferences, creation of scientifically based models of the city, museum exhibitions at the expense of accumulated archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts and lithographs, historical evidence and documents, antiquities, modern scientific research works, video, photo documents and other sources. Its employees will be engaged in creation of an information and resource center based on high technologies, as well as favorable conditions for tourists, scientific researchers and visitors, organization of a modern recreation complex outside its protected area, taking into account preservation of its historical appearance, conducting other measures on increasing the tourism potential of the complex.

The Akhsikent monument is the remains of an ancient city. It is located on the right bank of Syrdarya in the territory of Shakhand village of Turakurgan district of Namangan region. According to historical information, the city of Akhsikat appeared in the III-II centuries BC, in the 9th-10th centuries it was the capital of Fergana valley. In 1219 it was completely ruined by the Mongols. In 5-7 kilometers to the west of its location in the XIV-XVII centuries, a new city of Akhsikat was established.

In the late XIX – early XX centuries, the archaeological study of Akhsikat had started. It was established that there are remnants of another medieval city to the west of Akhsikent ruins. Academician Y.Gulamov and archaeologist I.Akhrorov on the basis of research proved that there were two cities in this place at different times, one of them – the ancient Akhsikat, the second – the city of Akhsikent, where Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was born.

– The land of Akhsikent keeps many undisclosed secrets of our history, – says head of the Directorate for Protection and Research of Akhsikent archaeological heritage site, candidate of historical sciences, associate professor T.Kozokov. – Scientific and archaeological research will continue in this historical place. It is envisaged to erect here a monument to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, to open a memorial ensemble for conducting cultural and enlightenment activities. Akhsikent will be transformed into an open air museum and included in the list of international tourist routes.