Isfara (; ) is a city in Sughd Region in northern Tajikistan, situated on the border with Kyrgyzstan. The city was the seat of the former Isfara District.
History
The first author who mentions Esfara as a town, is Bābor. He praised the orchards and fruits of Isfara, especially its almonds. The 16th century saw the construction of large public buildings, notably mosques and medreseh. In the 18th century Isfara was the seat of the Khan of Ḵoqand whose wars with Bokhara resulted in the destruction of some historical monuments.
Around 20 km south, in the village of Chorku, the mausoleum Hazrati Shoh Mausoleum, is carved from wood, partly dating back to the 8th century,p181 Middleton & Thomas, Tajikistan (Odyssey Guide) a structure that is unique in Central Asia.
Demographics The population of Isfara is mostly Tajik.
Year Population Type1989 34,500 census2000 37,000 census2008 40,600 estimatePopulation in the Republic of Tajikistan as of 1 January 2008, State Statistical Committee, Dushanbe, 2008
Geography Isfara is situated near the border junction of three independent states Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, at a height of 863m above sea level. The river Isfara flows through the city. Its territory is 832 km2. The exclave of Vorukh is separated from Isfara by Kyrgyzstan.
Climate Typical for lowland Tajikistan, Isfara has a continental Mediterranean climate (Köppen Dsa) with hot, dry summers, chilly winters with significant precipitation, and pleasant springs with the year’s heaviest precipitation. The average temperature is with the warmest month being July with an average temperature of and the coldest month being January with an average temperature of . The average annual precipitation is and there are on average 74.3 days of precipitation.
Subdivisions Before ca. 2018, Isfara was the seat of Isfara District, which covered the same area as the present city of Isfara. The city of Isfara covers Isfara proper, three towns and nine jamoats. These are as follows:Jamoat-level basic indicators, United Nations Development Programme in Tajikistan, accessed 3 October 2020
Jamoat Population (Jan. 2015) Naftobod (town) 4,300 Nurafshon (town) 1,600 Shurob (town) 3,000 Chilgazi 15,997 Chorku 37,065 Khonabad 12,159 Kulkand 22,731 Lakkon 7,579 Navgilem 38,104 Shahrak 16,555 Surkh 14,456 Vorukh 30,506
Economy
Some 20 industrial companies in Isfara produce electrical equipment, chemical and metallurgical products, construction materials, food products and others.
Isfara is famous for its apricot orchards.
See also List of cities in Tajikistan
References