The name of the Zarafshan River comes from a combination of the words “zar” – “gold” and “afshon” – “flowing, carrying”.

Since ancient times, this deep, turbulent, and often changing river course has been difficult to subdue. But over time, people have grown gardens on its banks and begun farming.

Today, the Zarafshan River plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of the population and driving agricultural development. Its waters are channeled into numerous canals, serving as vital irrigation sources for the fields of Kashkadarya, Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara regions, and even extending into the Republic of Tajikistan.

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Photos by Siroj Aslonov, UzA