THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN CULTURE IN THE ZARAFSHAN OASIS

This article analyzes the emergence, developmental stages, and role in Central Asian history of the urban culture that formed within the territory of Sogdiana and the Zarafshan Oasis. Since ancient times, Sogdiana has been one of the vital hubs of economic, political, and cultural life. The favorable geographical location of the Zarafshan Oasis, its developed irrigation systems, and its integration with international trade routes laid the foundation for the establishment of major cities in this region. Based on archaeological discoveries, historical sources, and contemporary research, this paper highlights the urban planning traditions, craftsmanship centers, and cultural progress of the oasis.