Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the conditions created at Qoqand University.

Established by Cabinet of Ministers resolution on 17 August 2019, this educational institution accommodates 6,400 students. The university features modern academic buildings, two dormitories for 500 students each, and an information-library center. Teaching is conducted by 233 professors and instructors.

Qoqand University actively collaborates with international universities, having signed agreements with around 80 institutions. It is a member of the Turkic-speaking States University Council. Last academic year, 22 faculty members enhanced their qualifications in Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan through educational grants from the Council, while 15 foreign professors upgraded their skills at Qoqand University.

On the university grounds, construction is underway for a new six-story academic building for 2,000 seats, which will house classrooms, scientific laboratories, and a printing house. Additionally, a two-story Youth IT Academy is being built and both facilities are planned for completion in September of this year.

In 2022, a new building accommodating 1,000 seats was constructed for the tourism faculty. The President inspected this complex, designed in a national style, emphasizing the need for extensive implementation of dual education systems and targeted training of students based on orders from tourism organizations with invitations to professors from abroad. This will enable the preparation of personnel with specific academic and practical knowledge in the tourism sector.

The President was also presented with the concept of creating the Ferghana Tourist Ring. Last year, Ferghana was visited by 430,000 foreign tourists, which is insufficient given the region’s rich history and natural attractions. The project aims to extend tourist stays in the area from 3 to 7 days and double the number of visitable sites. The tourist routes will include attractions from Ferghana, Altaryk, Kuva, and Uchkuprik districts, totaling 577 points offering over 50 types of services.

The President also visited the archaeological monument of Tepakurgan located near the university. This monument holds significant importance as it determines the age of the city of Qoqand. In ancient times, it housed an urda—a ruler’s palace. Qoqand was a major city and capital of a small state at the beginning of our era. After the fortress’s decline, this site was used as a cemetery, where many scholars, writers, and educators are buried.

In 2019, the monument was included in the National List of Cultural Heritage Objects. Excavations in 2022 uncovered the foundation of the citadel. The President proposed reconstructing and conserving this archaeological monument, transforming it into an open-air museum.

"Pilgrimage is a noble deed, but acquainting oneself with the history of a nation is an even greater blessing. Proper conditions should be created here. This is a source of knowledge and pride for people, especially our youth. It is also essential to study foreign sources and enrich knowledge about the fortress," noted the President.