Zarhok

Zarhok is an industrial settlement in North Tajikistan. It is located in the foothills of the Turkestan Range, on the river Isfara. It is in the centre of the largest fruit and vegetable producing region in Tajikistan.

Zarhok is located in the south-east Sughd Viloyat (region), bordering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Geographically Zarhok is in that part of the Turkestan Range which borders the south-west Fergana Valley. The administrative-territorial division is selo, with rural centres as Zarhok, Poin, and Balo.

Geography

Zarhok is surrounded by high mountains of various colours and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Climate

The area has generally warm weather: the climate is continental, with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures average +27 С in July and -3 С in January. Average yearly rainfall is 200-500mm.

While in January the average temperature is around 0, it varies according to elevation. In higher places it can reach as low as -27 C, while July temperatures vary from 23 up to 30 C. Precipitation on the plain falls is between 150-300 mm per annum, but above 1000 m above sea level, it is 700 mm and more, reaching 3000mm in the highest places.

History

The Fergana Valley has been host to the largest cities in central Asia, such as Khujand, Namangan, Andijan, Kokand and Isfara. Zarhok was a valley through which the silk road passed, which linked China and Asia with Russia and Europe. Zarhok is considered one of the oldest selo in the Isfara region. The first mention of the name Zarhok was in the twelfth century histories of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari.

The period of most significant cultural and economic development were connected its entry into the Samanid Empire..

In the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic Zarhok was placed in the Khujand okrug of Kanibadan oblast in October 1928. In 1954 it made part of Isfara raion.

Monuments

There are four caves, and the grave of Eshon Bobo.

Culture

The Village is one of the cultural centres of the Fergana Valley. Here were born such cultural figures as the connoisseur of classical music Hasanov Pirmuhammad, prominent teacher Kodirov Kosimchon, and the electrical scientist Ashurov Muminchon and others. Presently prominent figures are well-known vaudeville singer Ismolichon Diyanbekov, the oil specialist Salted Gafurchon,music group Hoki Zarin and the studio Umed.

From olden times Zarhok was famous for its skilled craftsman in such arts as wooden threading, blacksmithing, ceramics and others. Particularly notable was carving in wood and gypsum.

Parts of the films Cherez Ternii k Svezdam (Through thorns to the stars) Dvoinoi Obgon (Double passing) Rustam and Suhrob, Siyavushe, Hasan-arbakesh, Seventh bullet and many others were filmed in Zarhok.

References

Strategy social-economic development of the municipal formation Zarhok