City status 1945 Postal code 110500 Population 101,292 (2009) | Time zone UZT (UTC+5) Area code(s) +998 9091 Local time Thursday 7:01 AM | |
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Weather 2°C, Wind NW at 16 km/h, 97% Humidity | ||
Bekabad (Uzbek: Bekobod/Бекобод; Russian: Бекабад), formerly Begovat, is a city in eastern Uzbekistan. It lies along both banks of the Syr Darya River near Uzbekistan's border with Tajikistan.
Contents
Map of Bekobod, Uzbekistan
Bekabad originally arose in connection with a cement plant. It received the status of a city in 1945. Until 1964, the city was known as Begovat.
Bekabad underwent rapid industrialization during the Soviet era. It has retained some of its industrial importance. Bekabad is home to a large steel mill and a cement factory. The Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant lie just upstream from the city.
History
Bekabad originally arose in connection with a cement plant. In 1942-44, a steel plant was constructed in the town. In 1943-48, the Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant was built near Bekabad. The latter is a major source of electricity and irrigation water for Uzbekistan.
Bekobod received city status in 1945. Until 1964, the city was known as Begovat.
Geography
Bekabad lies along both banks of the Syr Darya River near Uzbekistan's border with Tajikistan. There are mountains to the northeast and southeast of the city. By road it is 140 kilometres (87 mi) south of Tashkent.
Climate
Bekabad has a sharp continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The average June–July temperature is 28–30 °C (82–86 °F). Sometimes the average June–July temperature reaches 40 °C (104 °F). The mean temperature in January is −2 – −3 °C (28–27 °F).
Demographics
In 2009, Bekabad had a population of 101,292. Representatives of many ethnic groups can be found in the city. Uzbeks are the largest ethnic group.
Economy
Bekabad remains an important industrial city in independent Uzbekistan. It is home to a large steel mill and a cement factory. There are also a brick factory, a meat-packing plant, a cotton plant, and many small and medium enterprises. The Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant lie just upstream from the city.
Education
Bekabad is home to a medical institute and a vocational school. There are also 17 secondary schools, two music schools, and one sports school in the city.