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Shohrukhiya (Banokat) Ruins

Ruins of the Syr Darya town of Banokat, destroyed by the Mongols in 1220 and rebuilt by Amir Timur in 1392 as Shohrukhiya.

Archaeology1st century

About the place

On the right bank of the Syr Darya in Oqqorgon district of Tashkent region lie the ruins of a town known as Banokat, Fanokat or Binokat. Life here began in the first centuries AD. In 1220 the town was destroyed by the Mongols, and it lay waste until Amir Timur rebuilt it in 1392 and named it Shohrukhiya after his son Shohrukh.

The town survived until the early 18th century, when it was abandoned. Since 2008 the site has been on the UNESCO tentative list, which is a step short of World Heritage status. Today the mounds and walls overlook the river; allow about an hour and wear a hat, as there is little shade.

Why go

  • Town rebuilt by Amir Timur in 1392
  • Destroyed by the Mongols in 1220
  • On the UNESCO tentative list

Nearby

  • Archaeology

    8 km away

    Kanka Ancient City

    Ruins of a walled city of more than 160 ha, lived in from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD, with a citadel mound 35–40 m high; near Eltamgʻali village.

  • St Nicholas Church, GulistanEnsembles

    32 km away

    St Nicholas Church, Gulistan

    A small Orthodox church in Gulistan built of mud brick in 1945 and consecrated to St Nicholas in 1955.

  • Attractions

    32 km away

    Olim Khojayev Syrdarya Musical Drama Theatre

    Regional musical drama theatre in central Guliston, founded in 1974, playing in a 730-seat building of 1984 and named after actor Olim Khojayev.