History of Osh

Written by Sandeep Nehra

Osh is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The exact date of its origin is unknown. Legends associate it with the base name of Alexander of Macedon, and even the Prophet Solomon (Suleiman). Arguing about the etymology of the name of the city, scientists still cannot agree, so far into the centuries, leaving its roots. Religious ministers are trying to associate the origin of the city with the legends, in particular those related to the biblical King Solomon, Sulaimanov. One of them says that he led his army, and drove in front of a pair of oxen to plow, when the oxen came to the famous mountain, Solomon said: “Hosh!” (“Enough”).

It seems to be there was a name that appears here town. None of the legends explained the etymology of its name but there are evidences of ancient agricultural occupations of the inhabitants of these places.

Osh city is the oldest in Kyrgyzstan and one of the oldest urban centers of Central Asia. The written history of his numbers over the Millennium, and archaeological findings are generally in three thousand years old.

The appearance of the city of Osh is connected with the settlement of the ancient farmers of the Bronze Age, discovered on the southern slope of the Suleiman Mountains, is considered sacred from time immemorial and stores evidence of the ancient cults of the Islamic period.

Further development of the city is connected directly to the geographical location of the city, which is located in the fertile valley at the foot of the Pamir and Pamir-Alai.

Because of its situational placement, Osh is the point of intersection of the trade caravan routes of the ancient and medieval India and China to Europe. It held one of the branches of the Silk Road, the most important trade artery of antiquity, connecting the East with the West.

Osh city is famous for its bazaars and caravanserais. And the main bazaar, located on the left bank of the Ak-Bura, was a classic example of the Eastern Market Hall – Tim. More than two millennia, the main bazaar in Osh lives its noisy and colorful life, changing their buildings and expand the border, but remained at the same place chosen in ancient times and location.

Another important page in the history of the city of Osh is connected with the name of one of the representatives of the Timurid dynasty Zahireddinom Muhammad Babur (1483-1530 years).

Babur is a well-known in city of Osh and left of him a lot of flattering lines. Babur himself was born in nearby Andijan.

Omar Sheikh – great-grandson of the Iron cripple “Timur (Tamerlane) – was the ruler of Ferghana, possession Maverannaha. When his father died, twelve Babur took his throne and was succeeded Fergana ownership. In his declining years he wrote his memoirs – “Babur Nameh,” which has become a wonderful literary – artistic monument and a valuable source on the history of the peoples of Central Asia, the end of XV-XVI centuries. As is evident from his memoirs, Babur often been in Osh, knew the city, and therefore described it competently, thoroughly and reliably.

Osh was one of the Muslim religious centers of Central Asia. This is connected to a large extent was located in the City of Mount Sulaiman-Too, which legends and folk traditions give the power to heal any ailments pilgrims.

Legends and folk legends about Suleiman – Too identify the root cause of the formation of the city of Osh, a Muslim religious center of the Fergana Valley. From the Mongol period, i.e. X-XI centuries and the beginning of XX century at the foot of the Sulaiman-Too, on its slopes and even on the tops of the Muslims erected a lot of places of worship: shrines, mosques, etc.

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