Located in the northern end of the Fergana Valley and just a short distance from the Kyrgyz border, the vibrant city of Namangan, Uzbekistan’s third-largest city after Tashkent and Samarkand, is steeped in rich traditions and natural beauty. Known as the “City of Flowers”, Namangan is not just a hub of cultural heritage but also a celebration of nature’s bounty, especially during the spring when the city hosts its renowned International Flower Festival.
Namangan, which translates to “salt mine” in Persian, owes its name to the ancient salt lake that once flourished in the area, echoing the city’s deep historical roots that stretch back to the beginning of our era. Officially granted city status in 1610, Namangan was rebuilt by the survivors of an earthquake that devastated the nearby ancient centre of Ahsikent. Today, Namangan is a dynamic city with a flourishing economy based on silk farming, cotton processing, winemaking and the chemical industry.
1. City of Flowers
Giving it the nickname of the “City of Flowers”, Namangan hosts an annual International Flower Festival that draws gardening enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. Since its inception in 1961, the festival has become a large-scale event, bringing together increasingly large numbers of tourists and locals.
Celebrating the artistic expression of nursery owners and garden designers, the festival not only showcases floral beauty but also promotes environmental sustainability and offers a plethora of activities, from gardening workshops to cultural performances, such as concerts and traditional dances.
The festival culminates in a vibrant parade of flower-decked vehicles that winds through the city’s streets, turning Namangan into a staggering spectacle of colours and scents that captures the essence of Uzbekistan’s love for nature and celebration. The parade comprises over 200 vehicles and, besides passenger cars and tractors, even fire trucks and ambulances join the procession.
2. Cultural and historical attractions
But there is much more to Namangan than the flower festival, its attractions being as diverse as its history. Central to the city’s charm is Babur Park, a tranquil space named after the famous descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. Founded in 1884, the park offers a peaceful retreat with its old sycamore trees and traditional tea-drinking spots.
For those intrigued by architectural and religious history, the city does not disappoint. Built in 1910 and named after its architect, Usto Kyrgyz, the Mullah Kyrgyz Madrassa is a stunning example of early 20th-century religious architecture. The ceilings and columns display fine carved woodwork, and the portal is decorated with coloured mosaics with motifs of flowers in green, yellow and white.
Nearby are the Khodjamni Kabri Mausoleum and the Khodja Amin Mosque, both works by the 18th century architect Usto Muhammad Ibrahim. The terracotta tilework on the front portico is as unusual as it is intricate, the tiles being produced in an old-fashioned style resembling 12th century methods.
3. Celebrating craftsmanship and cuisine
Namangan is also renowned for its vibrant craftsmanship, particularly in pottery and textiles. The city’s artisans are celebrated for their intricate painted plates and high-quality cotton products, reflecting Namangan’s status as a centre for cotton processing. Additionally, the nearby city of Chust is famous for its practical and beautifully crafted knives, sought after by both locals and tourists.
And, the city’s cuisine is a delight for food enthusiasts. Local markets are bursting with the flavours of the Fergana Valley, particularly its peaches, which are a must-try for their juiciness and sweetness. Namangan’s culinary offerings also include traditional dishes such as manty, chuchvara, shurpa, kebab, and the distinctive pilaf made with devzira rice, a local variety that gives the dish its unique flavour.
