Jalal-Abad
 |
Jalal-Abad
Dzhalal-Abad | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Kyrgyzstan |
| Province | Jalal-Abad Oblasty |
| Population | |
| • Total | 75,000 |
Jalal-Abad (also spelled Dzhalal-Abad, Jalalabad and Jalalabat; Kyrgyz: Жалалабат, IPA: [dʒɑlɑlɑbɑt]) is the administrative and economic center of Jalal-Abad Province in southwestern Kyrgyzstan, with a population of about 75,000. It is situated at the north-eastern end of the Fergana valley along the Kugart river valley, in the foothills of the Babash Ata mountains, very close to the Uzbek border. Two thirds of the population is Uzbek.
Jalalabad is known for a number of mineral springs in its surroundings, and the water from the nearby Hozret-Ayub-Paigambar spa was long believed to cure lepers. Several Soviet era sanatoria offer mineral water treatment programs for people with various chronic diseases. Bottled mineral water from the region is sold around the country and abroad.
One of the branches of the Silk Road passed through Jalalabad, and the region has played host to travellers for thousands of years, although few archaeological remains are visible today. The railroad (a rarity in Kyrgyzstan), runs from the Ferghana Valley northeast about 30 km to Kökjanggak.
The Peace Corps is very active in the region; volunteers serve in the education and small business sectors.