History
Uzbekistan has rich history that dates back to the depth of millennia. As archeologists witness, it is one of the most ancient places inhabited by humans whose age exceeded 1 million years. Just during the last half a century the scientists have detected several settlements of people of stone age. The most ancient Kulbulak and Obi Rakhmon settlements as well as Teshiktash and Amankutan are particularly famous among them.Productive lands, goods water sources, abundance of heat contributed to development of farming. Large areas of deserts and steppes being situated next to farming district served as the pastures for cattle. With their evolution the inhabitants of these regions established various relations with neighbors. Based on the trinity of geographical, economic and social factors formation of ancient states of Sogdiana, Bactria, Khorezm and other took place in the Central Asian between of two rivers.
Almost continuous wars took place between the state of the Ancient Orient. Their goal consisted of conquering other lands, occupation of slaves and other valuable items. Rich resources of the region, its specific geographical position drew the attention of numerous occupants. In the second half of the first millennium B.C. the states situated on the territory of contemporary Uzbekistan were conquered by Akhemenid kings and were included in their huge empire as eastern possessions (satrapy). And in 329—327 B.C. thee lands were occupied by Alexander from Macedonia. Then the contours of new state unions started taking shape on the ruins of Macedonian power. Bactria and Sogdiana joined the State of Seleucids. Later they joined the Greek-Bactrian Kingdom and Kushan Empires. In VI century A.D. the Central Asian between of two rivers was included in the Turkic Kaganate that united various tribes of Altay, Seven Rivers and Central Asia.
Periods of economic and cultural prosperity changed with eras of deep recession due to many occupations from different sides. However, the development process continued. And the Great Silk Road that connected two ends of the world — Rome and China, contributed to this in many terms. As historical chronicles witness, the idea of laying this unique transcontinental road belonged to the Chinese emperor. It appeared when Chinese courier returned home in 125 B.C. after far travels across the “western” countries” and told that there were powerful states such as Khorezm, Sogdiana and others with highly developed unique culture behind the Great Chinese Wall, behind the seemingly unlimited steppes and deserts.
In VII — early VIII centuries the Arabs intruded the territory of this region. Period of Samanids’ rule was marked by prosperity of cities that turned into large centers of international trade and culture. Then this land was occupied and governed by the dynasties of Gaznevids, Karakhanids, Seldjuks.
It should be noted that according to the scientists, the process of national formation on the territory of current Uzbekistan dates back to the beginning of the first millennium B.C. This process was lengthy. However, the term “Uzbek” was introduced in XV—XVI centuries — during the period of Shaibani-khan’s rule.
Emir Temur became one of the main strongholds of statehood in this region. In the second half of XIV century taking advantage of disintegration of states of Chengiz-khan’s heirs in Central Asia, he united them and founded the powerful state with capital in Samarkand. In 1380 Emir Temur made military marches to other countries. As a result, Iran, Caucasus, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Northern India were conquered.
Establishment of centralized state in the Central Asian between of two rivers called Movaro-un-Nahr, elimination of fractures created favorable conditions for development of economy exhausted by the rule of Mongols. Due to Emir Temur’s political energy, the institutes of state, social and military governance had been substantially improved.
Peak of development of science, architecture, urban construction, literature, painting and applied arts under Temur’s and heirs’ rule represent the unique phenomenon of the global scope. For instance, the border of the state that was ruled by his famous grandson Ulugbek practically coincide with the borders of contemporary Uzbekistan. Ulugbek was introduced to the world history not only as the statesman, but also as outstanding scientist, organizer and patron of science and arts. He founded the astronomical observatory that didn’t have analogs at that time.
Nowadays names of great statesmen, scientists, philosophers and poets whose achievements were included in the jewel box of the world civilization are well known in all countries, on all continents. Among them is Abu Ali bin Sino (Avicenna) who equally with Hippocrates is considered as the founder of modern medicine; al-Khorezmi whose name served as the basis for naming the algebra and algorithm; astronomer Ulugbek due to whom astronomy turned to science from being simply mystical secrets. This list is added by Bahouddin Nakshband, Al-Bukhari, At-Termizi, encyclopedic Abu Raykhan Beruni, poet Alished Navoi and many others.
Wonderful palaces, mausoleums, madrasahs, minarets created during the Temurids’ era still amaze the tourists with their grandiose. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shahrisabz which are included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO are deemed as jewels of history.
After certain recession during the occupation of this land by Shaibani-Khan, development of civilizations and cultures moved forward later. Bukhara, Kokand and Khiva Khanates emerged. Peoples’ strength and will, their centuries old traditions of high and spiritual culture didn’t expire.
Indeed, the neighboring Russia couldn’t leave this geopolitically important region without attention, since it had also great economic interest for Russia. First of all Russia was interested in agricultural products — cotton, leather. Handcrafters’ products were still famous for their wonderful quality and perfect finish. In late 40’s — early 50’s of XIX century the gradual occupation of the region’s territories by the emperor’s Russia. In 1867 th Turkestan province with center in Tashkent was established.
Period after the October Revolution in Russian in 1917 became another page in Uzbekistan’s history. Soviet rule was declared in Turkestan in 1918,. In 1924 as a result of national and state demarcation, Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was established and it was included in the USSR.
On August 31, 1991 the state independence of Uzbekistan was declared at the extraordinary session of the Supreme Council of the country. On march 2, 1992 Uzbekistan joined the United nations Organizations as equal member, and joined the Helsinki process by signing the Final Act of the Summit for Security and Cooperation. Today independent Uzbekistan is also member of leading economic and financial organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation, Economic Association of Black Sea Countries, EBRD and a number of other prestigious international organizations. Interest in development of partner relations with Uzbekistan is explained not only by great potential of its natural resources, but also by effectiveness of economic policy of maximum assistance to development of integration both in economy and other spheres.
