Andijan Region

Overview

Andijan Region fills the eastern part of the Fergana Valley, where the Karadarya river flows out of the mountains. It is a densely populated region and a place of orchards, cotton fields and lively market towns.

Most visitors come for Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, who was born in Andijan. The city has a museum devoted to him in the old citadel quarter and a large memorial park on the hills outside town. Andijan is also the main gateway to Osh in Kyrgyzstan.

History

Settlements in this part of the valley go back to antiquity; the large earthen site of Mingtepa in Marhamat District was an important town in the centuries before Islam. In the Middle Ages Andijan grew into one of the main cities of Fergana.

Zahir ad-Din Muhammad Babur was born here in 1483 and ruled Fergana as a young prince before leaving to found an empire in India. His memoir, the Baburnama, describes Andijan and the valley in detail.

In 1902 a strong earthquake destroyed much of the old city, so most of what you see today dates from the 20th century. A few older buildings survive, including the Jami mosque and madrasa complex.

Getting there

Trains from Tashkent run through the Kamchik pass tunnel and continue across the valley to Andijan. Check the current timetable and book through Uzbekistan Railways, as seats fill up around holidays.

Andijan airport has flights to Tashkent and some international destinations. Shared taxis from Tashkent take the road over the Kamchik pass; agree on the fare before you set off.

Getting around

Inside Andijan, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to reach the museum, the Jami complex and Babur park. Minibuses and shared taxis link the city with district towns and with Fergana and Namangan.

The Dostyk crossing on the road to Osh is the usual way into Kyrgyzstan; check that it is open and that your passport and visa status allow the crossing.

When to go

April to May and September to October are the pleasant months, with mild days and markets full of produce. Summers are hot and dusty in the city, though the park on the hills catches a breeze in the evening.

Babur's birthday in February is marked with events in Andijan; ask locally what is planned in the year you visit.

Food

Andijan cooks its own style of plov and is known across Uzbekistan for it; teahouses near the bazaar serve it at midday. Andijan samsa, baked in tandyr ovens, and lagman are easy to find.

The region grows apricots, cherries, grapes and melons, and in summer stalls along the roads sell fruit straight from the orchards.

Crafts

Andijan bazaars sell doppi skullcaps, embroidered textiles and atlas cloth brought from nearby Margilan. Some local workshops make embroidery and woven goods for sale; ask at the bazaar who works nearby.

Good to know

One full day covers the Babur museum, the Jami complex and the park on the hills; add half a day if you want to see Mingtepa.

Andijan is a conservative city: dress modestly, especially near mosques, and ask before taking photos of people.