Khujand (Khojent) is a city in the north of Tajikistan, the administrative center of the Sughd region.
It is located 200 km northeast of Dushanbe (on the road - 341 km), on the banks of the Syr Darya, below the Kairakkum reservoir, 35 km above Uzbek Bekabad. Entrance to the Ferghana Valley, between the spurs of the Turkestan Range in the south and the Mogoltau Mountains in the north.
Population - 149 thousand inhabitants (2007).
There is Khujand Airport, Khujand railway station (11 km from the center of Khujand, in the village of Gafurov).
One of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The second largest city in Tajikistan, an important transport hub, political, economic, cultural and scientific center of the country.
The modern Russian name of the city is Khujand, sometimes transliterated as Khojent, Khujand.
From January 10, 1936 to February 26, 1991, the city was named Leninabad in honor of V. I. Lenin (Ulyanov).
By the Decree of the Supreme Council of the Tajik SSR No. 246 dated February 26, 1991, the historical name was returned to the city.
Historical mosque opposite the large Panjshanbe market The history of the city goes back to ancient times. The city existed during the Achaemenid dynasty. The troops of Alexander the Great, having captured the city, fortified it, calling Alexandria Eskhata (Extreme).
In the 8th century Arabs took over the city. In 1219-1220, the city offered fierce resistance to the troops of Genghis Khan, but was destroyed.
Since ancient times, Khujand, being at the crossroads of trade routes of the East, on the Great Silk Road, has been one of the most important economic, military-strategic and cultural centers of Maverannahr.
Khujand was the birthplace of famous astronomers, mathematicians, doctors, historians, poets, musicians. One of them is Abumahmud Khujandi, the founder of the local astronomical school. “The nightingale of Khujand” was called in the 14th century Kamoli Khujandi, the author of the famous gazelles. Equally popular in the Middle Ages was the outstanding poetess, musician and dancer Mahasti. In the 19th century, such cultural figures as Toshkhoja Asiri, Sodirkhon Hafiz, Khoji Yusuf were actively engaged in educational work in Khujand.
On May 24, 1866, the city was occupied by the Russian army and became part of the Russian Empire (see Central Asian possessions of the Russian Empire). The entry into the empire of the center of a densely populated district, which had rich economic resources, the most important road junction between the Fergana Valley, the Tashkent oasis and the Zeravshan Valley, a major trading point, opened up new opportunities for the development of Khujand.
The city was the administrative center of the Khojent district of the Samarkand region. In July 1916, an anti-imperial uprising began in the city. At the beginning of 1918, Soviet power was established in the city, on October 2, 1929, it was included in the Tajik SSR.
In 1932, the Pedagogical Institute was opened, where only 26 people studied. Today, more than 10 thousand students study at 13 faculties of this university, which was transformed into Khujand State University in 1991.
In the post-war period, Leninabad became the largest industrial and cultural center of Tajikistan after Dushanbe. The industry of the city became diversified, equipped with advanced domestic and foreign technology, a silk factory operated in the city - one of the largest enterprises in the republic. In 1991, dozens of enterprises in Khujand produced the same amount of industrial output in a day as in all pre-revolutionary Tajikistan in a year. Silk factory fabrics were sent to 450 cities of the USSR and to foreign countries. Since the 60s, Khujand has been actively expanding its borders. The city stepped onto the right bank of the Syr Darya, throwing two bridges over it. During the years of Soviet power, fundamental changes have taken place in the field of health care. By 1991, there were 40 medical and preventive institutions in Khujand, in which about 2.5 thousand people worked. doctors and specialists with higher and secondary honey. education. Major changes have taken place in the field of public education. In 1991 there were 30 schools in Khujand with about 30,000 students.
In 1986, the city celebrated its anniversary - the 2500th anniversary of its founding. In connection with this Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the city was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples.
The XVI session of the Supreme Council, held in Khujand in November 1992, restored the constitutional order in the republic and elected E. Sh. Rakhmonov as the chairman of the Supreme Council.
The city's attractions.
Medieval citadel, mosque-mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin (XVII-XIX centuries). Monument to a native of the city poet Kamol Khujandi.
The city has a theater, a local history museum, archeology and fortifications.
Customs: Gushtingiri
National wrestling of Tajiks. The costume is a national robe with a soft belt. Captures are performed for any place of the belt, lapel of the dressing gown and sleeve. Grabbing below the belt is not allowed. Throws through the legs are allowed. The winner is the one who throws the opponent back down (at least one shoulder blade). Contraction time 10 min. Tajik wrestling is characterized by “shock” captures. It is carried out at a fast pace, replete with all kinds of trips, sweeps, grabs, throws with a grab for the belt. "Gushtigiri" has no less ancient history than other Central Asian types of wrestling. Gushtingiri masters in Tajikistan are called palvans. By tradition, children are the first to start the fight, then teenagers, and only then eminent champions enter the clearing. Not a single wedding, not a single celebration in Tajikistan is still complete without a national struggle.
Goat-cutting is a game of real horsemen!
Since ancient times, national games and competitions have been a favorite hobby of the peoples of Central Asia, not a single holiday can do without them. Equestrian competitions and all kinds of games on horseback, which develop people's strength, dexterity, and courage, have become most widespread. One of these competitions is called in Russian "goat-wrestling". This is the national equestrian game of the nomads of Central Asia, known since the time of Genghis Khan. Gradually, it became the favorite game of farmers. Today, the game has become a sport that requires dexterity, courage and strength from men. Several peoples are fighting for the right to call it their own, but for fans this is just a favorite sight. In Tajikistan, this game is called "buzkashi". The game according to the old tradition certainly begins with the solemn oath of the participants to play fair. That, who has not taken such an oath is not admitted. The one who swore "superficially" receives a warning from the judge, in the worst case, he also leaves the game. In total, two teams participate in the competition, consisting of an equal number of riders - usually 3-4 people each. By the way, a team of four horsemen has developed in this game quite recently. This passion has been spontaneous since ancient times. Family clans, auls and even districts competed in dexterity, the ability to stay in the saddle. However, when thousands of riders were reckless on the field, the elements of the game remained invisible. Then it was decided to form teams: first of 12, then of 10, 8 and 5 people. Now the optimal number of participants - four - is determined by international standards. In total, there are ten players in the team, they constantly replace each other along the way, since it is quite difficult for both the rider and the horse to withstand even a few minutes. The rules of the game are very strict. Riders are not allowed to gallop towards the spectators, and the last to give them a goat carcass from the ground. A player cannot run a horse into a stooping rider. It is also forbidden to dump the person who has captured the trophy from the horse, to pull it out from the side of the player's back. A special kamcha is used (whip, a lead weight or nut is sewn into the end). During the game, they use it only on their own horse, as well as on the horses of opponents and on the opponents themselves. Because of it, they consider the game to be cruel, and without it, the drive is not the same. Previously, games were held to commemorate important events: the birth of an heir, victory over the enemy, the visit of important guests or the change of seasons. Today, horses are saddled for any holiday - be it Navruz, a wedding, toi (feast) or Independence Day of the Republic. The go-ahead of the judge, and an avalanche of riders takes off. Here one of them breaks forward and at full gallop picks up the carcass of a goat from the ground. This momentary delay was enough for the rest to surround him and, amid the frantic cries of the fans, try to take the trophy. Goat-cutting requires subtle, thoughtful tactics. The unity of the tulpar (horse) and the rider is one of the conditions for victory. There is no special breed of horses for goating, the main thing is the massiveness, agility and intelligence of the horse. Moreover, they talk about the last dignity quite seriously, they say, real sports horses can make decisions on their own - the rider can only hold on tight and demonstrate miracles of dexterity and intelligence. Despite its apparent simplicity, goat-breaking is a technically difficult game. This requires long and hard training. It is no coincidence that the best "athletes" are usually over forty years old. Over the centuries, techniques have developed not only for selection, but also for preparing horses for competitions. So animals begin to cook from four to five years. And up to 20-25 years old they honestly carry out their difficult service. They usually cost several thousand dollars. They are bought not in ordinary markets, but at stud farms. Special training, nutrition, care - not everyone can afford this. Special requirements are placed on the equipment of horses. So, the bridles should be without metal decorations, and the stirrups should be smooth. Horses with studded horseshoes are not allowed to compete. It is customary for the rider to wear a wide chapan (robe) made of very dense fabric. Tight clothing would restrict movement. There are now some additions. One of them is the numbers of the players. But the requirement to use wide and dense cotton harem pants instead of trousers remained unchanged. A fur hat is put on the head, although recently preference has been given to leather, and especially tank helmets, called "tank helmets". Legs are wrapped in a thick cloth to avoid injury. Boots are worn with wide tops. Buzkashi - Tajik version of the game - is usually played on a hill. In Tajik villages, there are often problems with electricity. There is no TV and radio, newspapers reach late. Therefore, almost no entertainment. And on buzkashi you can look at others and show yourself. There are many prizes - from carpets and color TVs to cars and money. Each game has its own sponsor or sponsors. Usually these are those who want to play a wedding, conduct a circumcision ceremony for children. Or just wealthy people
Nowruz
The word "Navruz" means "New Day" (from "nav" - new and "ruz" - day). This is the name of the holiday of spring, the first day of the new year, the day of the vernal equinox, the most famous and widespread holiday of the Persians - Iranians, Tajiks and Afghans. The main days of the holiday are March 21 and 22. In each country and in different regions, the population may celebrate this day in different ways, but in Tajikistan, Navruz is mainly celebrated from March 21 to 24. These days are days off. The oldest source, which indicates the celebration of Navruz, is the sacred book of Zoroastrianism "Avesta". The roots of the holiday go far back in history, up to 3000 BC. The history of the origin of Navruz, as indicated in Omar Khayyam's "Navruznom" ("The Book of Navruz"), goes back to the time of one of the most ancient kingdoms in the world and the history of the Persians - Peshdodien. In Shahnameh, the origin of the holiday is associated with the legendary king Jamshed. As you know, March 21 is the day of the vernal equinox, and the duration of the day and night is the same - 12 hours each. When Jamshed built himself a throne of pure gold (according to legend, this was the first throne in the history of man) and raised it to the highest mountain at the time of sunrise, the gold shone under the sunlight and began to shine like the sun. This day was called Navruz and began to celebrate it as the beginning of a new year. “Navruznam” says: “When Jamshed realized this day, he called it Navruz and introduced it into custom as a holiday. Kings and other people followed him." On the days of the celebration of Navruz, various events are held. In the spirit of folk traditions, horse races, goat fighting (buzkhkashi), wrestling of strong men, buchulbozi, argamchinbozi (jump rope), lankabozi, tukhmzanak, idgardak. Much attention is paid to the preparation of the festive table. It is not necessary to put only food on the festive table. Dishes are placed on the table, the names of which begin with the letters "s" and "sh". As a rule, there are 2 festive tables: “khaftsin” and “khaftshin”. "Sin" and "shin" are the names of the letters "s" and "sh" in the Persian alphabet, and "haft" stands for 7. In Zoroastrianism and Islam, the number 7 is considered sacred. In ancient times, there was also "haftmim" ("mim" is the name of the letter "m" in the Persian alphabet), but due to many expenses, such a table is rarely served. "Haftsin" was introduced by the Arabs, because. in Islam the use of wine is forbidden, but they failed to eradicate "Haftshin". They try not to put dishes from meat and other products taken from animals, except for milk, on the festive table. The symbol of Navruz and the new year is sumanak (sumalak). How is sumanak prepared? About a week before the holiday, wheat grains are soaked in a dish with a shallow bottom (it can be a plate). By the holiday, wheat grains are germinated. It is believed that the longer the sprouts of sprouted grain, the larger and better the harvest will be in the new year. Sprouted grains are crushed in a metal mortar, put in a cauldron, poured with water, flour is added and boiled for 10-12 hours, while stirring all the time. Very sweet thing, although sugar is not added there at all. Sumalak must be ready before sunrise on the main day of the holiday. During the preparation of sumanak, women and children sing festive songs and recite poems. Sumalak is not a simple dish, it is something sacred. Therefore, before preparing it, the leading cook reads a surah from the Koran, namely “Ikhlos”. Sumalak is distributed to all neighbors, relatives, relatives, friends. Before you try, you need to make three wishes, they can be fulfilled within a year.