Uzbekistan, 25th anniversary | Page 33

Kokand, the oldest city in the Fergana Valley and its religious and cultural center, was the capital of the Kokand Khanate in XVIII - XIX centuries. Among the main attractions are the majestic palace of Kokand Khudoyar Khan (1871), Emir Madrassah (XVIII century), the architectural ensemble Dahman-Shohon (1825) and numerous craft shops. The capital of modern Uzbekistan - Tashkent, having more than 2200 years of history, is one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Tashkent boasts numerous archaeological sites, which now amount to more than 240. On the outskirts of the capital an ancient settlement Shashtepa was found, which emerged in the IV - V century BC and which preceded the formation of the city. Speaking about the great touristic potential of Uzbekistan, the alternative forms of tourism should be mentioned, particularly historical and cultural tourism, ethnic tourism, eco-tourism and MICE-Industry. Today it attracts a growing attention and determines ever more the value of the tourism in general. Indeed, the country has astonishing natural and weather conditions, vast deserts, mountain ranges, rivers, national parks. Among them Ugam-Chatkal National Nature Park with eco tourism potential, the Amudarya and the Syrdarya rivers, Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts, Nurata mountains, lake Aydarkul. Each region has a number of unique picturesque cantons that can impress tourists. 33