Ferghana is intriguing with its layout. The city is designed like a wheel with the fortress as its axis, and the streets serving as spokes radiating from the center. During the reign of the tsar, numerous official establishments were constructed here, including the governor’s residence, military headquarters, city treasury and post office, officer’s assembly, several schools, and gymnasiums. Following these constructions, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the city theater, and a garden emerged, representing the architectural legacy of the late 19th century. At that time, Turkistan mainly consisted of two-story buildings, a style preserved in these structures.
In 1879, Sinclair organized a project that led to the construction of the Military Assembly building, the oldest in the city. Several extensions were added later, slightly disrupting the original architectural concept and symmetry. Beyond the semicircular rotunda lies the city park.
Another landmark is the Governor’s Military building, now housing the city theater. Construction began in 1879 but was only completed in 1899. The building has two floors and two ceremonial entrances. The external decoration of the structure remains the same as it was at the end of construction. Eclectic elements and a white pointed arcade adorn the facade. The windows harmonize with the overall color scheme.
Heading west from the church square, you’ll find the Male Gymnasium building, which has been exceptionally well-preserved. Inside the courtyard, there is an original metal grille. This is one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Ferghana. The city also boasts a cinema, which remains unchanged from its construction. Initially located between Governor’s Street, it caught attention with its turrets with sharp ends and interestingly decorated doorways.
The renowned Local Lore Museum of Ferghana is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. The project was created in 1894, coinciding with an exhibition showcasing achievements in agriculture and industry. It opened to visitors five years later, featuring over 2,000 exhibits at the time. Russian archaeological and geographical societies, among other organizations, assisted in expanding the collection. Currently, the museum displays around 80,000 exhibits, including decorative items, jewelry, archaeological artifacts, ceramics, and traditional costumes. Nearly 10,000 items discovered in the Ferghana Valley have also enriched the collection of the local lore museum. Moreover, the museum houses an extensive archive of documents, household items, and weaponry.