Navoi, Uzbekistan
The city of Navoi is named in honor of the famous Turkic poet and thinker who lived in the XV-XVI centuries, Alisher Navoi. This is not the poet's real surname, but a pseudonym, which translates as “melodious”.
Navoi is one of the hottest cities in Uzbekistan. There is a lot of Russian-speaking population in the city. This is because Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC) is located here, where Uzbeks, Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars, Kazakhs and representatives of other nationalities work. Navoi began construction after the founding of the combine, in 1958. NGMK is among the world's top 10 enterprises in gold and uranium mining. Muruntau mine has repeatedly taken the first places in gold mining in the world.
The population of Navoi is almost 140 thousand people, more than 70 thousand people work at NGMK. However, the employees of the combine work in Zarafshan, Nurabad and Uchkuduk district as well.
Brief History of Navoi
Archaeological excavations confirm that life in this region dates back to at least the 1st millennium BC. Historical records mention the ancient city of Karman (also known as Kharmin or Karmin), which emerged no later than the 10th century and was once a prominent settlement. Today, Karmana is an urban-type settlement located just six kilometers from Navoi’s center.
The remains of the former Karakhanid residence, Rabat-i-Malik, built in the 11th century, have survived to this day.
Navoi itself is a young city, founded in 1958 alongside the establishment of the mining and metallurgical combine, which remains operational today. Scientists discovered that this area was rich in minerals, particularly gold and uranium, and designated the location first for the combine and then for the future city.
Navoi saw significant development in the 1960s. Given the desert landscape, a specialized city plan was designed, incorporating low-rise gallery and sectional housing, extensive tree planting, and the construction of fountains and pools to enhance the environment.
As the city was built in an uninhabited desert area, its population initially consisted of workers relocating to join the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine (NMMC). Today, NMMC remains the city's key enterprise, with some employees representing the third and even fourth generations of workers.
Navoi is also home to a significant Orthodox Christian community. The Orthodox Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh serves as a major religious site, making Navoi the third-largest city in Uzbekistan, after Tashkent and Samarkand, in terms of Orthodox Christian population.
Over time, additional enterprises were established in Navoi, including Navoiazot, Kyzylkumcement, gold extraction plants, and cotton processing factories. Due to its high concentration of industrial facilities, Navoi is recognized as Uzbekistan’s leading industrial center.
In the 1990s, the Navoi Institute of Mining and Technology was founded, receiving university status in 2022.
How to Get to Navoi
For fast and convenient travel, the best way to reach Navoi is by plane. Regular flights connect Navoi with Tashkent and Moscow.
For those who prefer train travel, Navoi can be reached by rail from Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva. The fastest option is the Afrosiab high-speed train, which takes just three hours from Tashkent to Navoi.
You can also reach Navoi by bus, shuttle bus, or private taxi, providing flexibility for travelers coming from different regions of Uzbekistan.
Navoi Attractions
Rabat-i-Malik is the remains of a Karakhanid palace built in the second half of the 11th century, located 23 kilometers from modern Navoi. Historians believe that by the 13th–14th centuries, it had become a caravanserai where travelers from Samarkand to Bukhara would rest overnight. The medieval monument was only discovered in 1841, but over time, locals began dismantling the structure for bricks. Today, only the foundation and the entrance arch remain of the once majestic palace.
One of the most significant landmarks near Navoi is Sarmyshsai Tract, located 38 kilometers from the city. Archaeologists have uncovered ancient burial mounds, gravestones, and remains of settlements here. The site is famous for its petroglyphs—rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. Some of the oldest carvings were created during the Mesolithic era, meaning they could date as far back as the 15th millennium BC, with the most recent ones from the 7th millennium BC.
The Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh is Navoi’s only Orthodox church. Construction began in 1991 and was completed in 2002, funded by employees of the mining and metallurgical plant. The exterior of the church is made of white Navoi marble, and inside, visitors can admire intricate wall paintings.
Another remarkable historical site is Malik Sardoba, an irrigation structure from the 14th century. This underground reservoir, covered by a brick dome, was used to store water for the local population. Records from the 16th century mention that the taste of its water was compared to the revered Zamzam well in Mecca.
Just outside Navoi, in the ancient town of Karmana, stands the Mausoleum of Mir-Sayyid Bahrom, built between the 10th and 11th centuries. The structure features an unusual architectural design—appearing much larger from the outside than it feels inside.
Karmana is also home to the Kasym Sheikh Complex, a historic site over 450 years old. The Mausoleum of Kasym Sheikh, named after a prominent Muslim figure known for his political influence, was built in 1571. Some historians believe the building was originally a mosque or madrassa. Shortly after Kasym Sheikh's death, a khanaka (Sufi lodging) was constructed, followed by a mosque in the 16th century.
What to Buy in Navoi
If you visit Navoi and don’t purchase a gold item, it’s almost as if you haven’t been here at all. The Zarafshan Jewelry Factory produces rings, bracelets, earrings, and chains made from gold extracted at the Muruntau Mine, operated by the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine. These finely crafted pieces are available for purchase in both Zarafshan and Navoi. The city has several jewelry stores where you can find exquisite gold products, ensuring you take home a piece of Navoi’s rich mineral heritage.
Food in Navoi
In addition to traditional Uzbek dishes, Navoi offers two unique regional specialties. Barracha is a dish made from tender young lamb, fried with onions, herbs, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful meal. Another local delicacy is gilbindi (gilvindi)—crescent-shaped pastries filled with meat. Sometimes, the filling is made with vegetables or even a sweet mixture, offering a variety of flavors to suit different tastes.