Area

2,852 square kilometers.

Geographic Location

Located in the northern part of Sughd Oblast in northern Tajikistan, Khujand sits on the banks of the Syr Darya River, 300 meters above sea level.

Population

173,000 (as of January 1, 2015).

Introduction

Khujand, capital of Sughd Region, northern Tajikistan, is one of the most famous ancient civilized city in Central Asia. Established between the 6th and 4th centuries BC under Kay Khosrow, it flourished in the Persian era, with its original citadel preserved through successive renovations.

A pivotal crossroads of the Silk Road connecting Greece, Rome, Asia Minor and Egypt, Khujand has long been a critical transportation hub and a core center for politics, economy, military, culture, education and research. It hosts Panshanbeh Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s largest markets, and over 20 ethnic groups reside here.

With rich natural and economic resources, Khujand links the Fergana routes and the Tashkent Oasis in the Zarafshan Valley, making it a leading commercial hub in a populous area. Historically hailed as the "Crown of the World" by scholars and litterateurs, it carries a profound legacy. 

Today, Khujand aims to become a major industrial city, with a railway station and airport. Its industrial sectors cover light industry, food processing, machinery, metal cutting and furniture making. It retains a medieval citadel and the 17th–18th century Muslihuddin Mausoleum-Mosque. Its 2,500th founding anniversary was marked in 1986.

Date of Sister-city Relationship Establishment:

October 13, 2018.