Uzgen, Historic town in Osh Region, Kyrgyzstan.
Uzgen is a town situated on the right bank of the Kara Darya River in southern Kyrgyzstan, approximately 54 kilometers from Osh, with a population of around 62,000 residents predominantly of Uzbek ethnicity living in both upper and lower districts.
Founded between the first and second centuries BCE as a trading post along the Silk Road, Uzgen served as one of the capitals of the Karakhanid Empire from the 9th to 13th centuries, leaving behind architectural monuments that reflect its medieval Islamic heritage.
The town showcases a blend of Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditions through its 28 mosques, local festivals, and culinary customs, with residents maintaining traditional Islamic practices while preserving their diverse cultural heritage in daily community life.
Visitors can access Uzgen via regional roads from Osh and Jalal-Abad, with the best visiting time during spring or autumn when temperatures are moderate, and local transportation options available for exploring the historic sites and markets.
Uzgen is renowned for producing dev-zira rice, a specialty variety that is hand-harvested and aged for several years, creating a premium product prized across Central Asia for preparing celebratory plov dishes.
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