Khujand

Khujand is a city in Sughd Province in northern Tajikistan that extends along the Syr Darya River. Wide boulevards lined with plane trees lead from the historic center to modern residential districts, while orchards and cotton fields mark the city edges.

Alexander the Great founded a fortress here in 329 BCE as the northernmost outpost of his empire. The city changed hands between Persian, Arab, Mongol, and Russian rule over the following centuries.

The name comes from Persian and means 'lord' or 'master', reflecting the city's long-standing tradition as a trading hub. Today locals gather in tea houses along the main streets, where men play chess and families buy freshly prepared samsa in the evening.

Summer months bring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), while winter remains mild and rarely drops below freezing. Bottled water is available everywhere and most shops open early in the morning.

A large reservoir lies upstream and transforms the landscape into a body of water that fishermen use throughout the year. Small huts along the shores serve freshly grilled fish with flatbread.

Location: Sughd Province

Elevation above the sea: 300 m

Website: http://khujand.tj

GPS coordinates: 40.28442,69.61917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:16