Chust, Uzbekistan

History

Chust is one of the oldest cities in the Fergana Valley. Archaeological studies conducted in 1953, 1957, 1959, and 1961 found items dating back to the late Bronze/early Iron age in the area corresponding to present-day Chust. First scientific information about Chust can be found in A. F. Middendor's Ocherki o Ferganskoy doline (Essays About the Fergana Valley) which was published in St. Petersburg in 1882. According to local linguists, the word "chust" is a Persian word meaning "fast."

In the Middle Ages, Chust became an important fortress. Babur's father Umar Shaikh Mirza II made Chust his residence in 1480. In the 16th century, the city consisted of several small fortresses. Later, a wall surrounding these fortresses was built. In 1882, the walls of the fortress were destroyed and the city started to expand.

Over time, Chust became an important industrial center. Blacksmiths, tailors, potters, and jewelers from Chust became well-known. Doʻppis (skullcaps) and knives made in Chust became especially popular.

Following the Russian expansion into Central Asia, several new factories were built in Chust. In 1912, there were six cotton mills and one leather factory in Chust. The town was made the administrative center of the newly created Chust District in 1926. Chust received a city status in 1969.

Chust received city status in 1937. It underwent significant changes during the Soviet period. Many factories and institutions were built during that time.

Geography

Chust is located 1,000 metres (3,300 ft)-1,200 metres (3,900 ft) above sea level. By road it is 41.3 kilometres (25.7 mi) to the west of the city of Namangan. The city is situated in the northern corner of the Fergana Valley along the river Chustsoy.

Population

Like the near-by, Kosonsoy, the town has a majority of its population being Persian speaking Tajiks. It form one of many Persian speaking Tajik islands in the Uzbek majority Fergana valley of Uzbekistan.

Climate

Chust has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The average July temperature is around 27 °C (81 °F). The mean temperature in January is 0 °C (32 °F).

Demographics

The officially registered population of Chust in 2004 was 63,800. Tajiks and Uzbeks are the largest ethnic groups.

Economy

Chust is an important center for cotton processing. It is also known for artisanal products including, notably, pocket knives and embroidered cotton skullcaps known as tubeteika (Uzbek: doʻppi). The city contains the National Knife Factory, in which metal workers "smash and grind their knives from short lengths of steel or iron, honing each blade into the desired shape with a meticulous attention to detail". Knives with a curved tip are a trademark of Chust craftsmen.

Currently there are several joint-stock companies in the city. They include Barion, Paxta tolasi, and Chustmash. There are also bakeries, a printing house, and several small businesses in Chust.

Education

There are several colleges and vocational schools in Chust. They include:

The city is also home to several general education schools (which include boarding schools), two music and art schools, six vocational schools, and three children's sports schools.

Notable people

The well-known business magnate Alisher Usmanov, who now lives in Russia, was born in Chust in 1953. According to Forbes, the oligarch Usmanov is Russia's richest man with a fortune estimated at $17.6 billion and the world's 34th richest person.