Andijon

Introducing Andijon

Andijon – the Fergana Valley’s largest city and its spiritual mecca – will forever be linked with the bloodshed of 13 May 2005. The very word ‘Andijon’ is a hot potato in Uzbekistan; just mentioning it is enough to stop any conversation in its tracks.

That’s a shame because both culturally and linguistically Andijon is probably the country’s purest Uzbek city, and the best place to observe Uzbeks in their element. Architecturally there’s not much to see here – an earthquake in 1902 took care of that. Rather, its Andijon’s bazaars and chaikhanas, brimming with colour and life, that make a trip out here worthwhile. Andijonians are warm and friendly by nature, and whatever concerns they have about their paranoid government appear not to have negatively affected their demeanour.

Most travellers who pass through Andijon are on their way to or from Kyrgyzstan and don’t linger long because of security concerns. Make no mistake: the local police are on their guard here and do routinely stop foreigners. Have your papers in order and take the normal precautions, but don’t let all the hype that Andijon is ‘dangerous’ prevent you from coming.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009