THE HISTORY OF STUDYING THE NATURE OF BUKHARA

Abstract

In this article, based on historical and geographical sources, the stages of studying the physical geography of the Bukhara region are highlighted. The paper provides a detailed examination of the region’s geographical location, natural conditions, administrative and territorial boundaries, landscape features, and natural resources. The study covers five main stages – from antiquity to the period of independence. Special attention is given to the analysis of ancient written sources (Avesta, Hudud al-Alam, The History of Bukhara), the works of medieval geographers and travelers (Ibn Hawqal, Narshakhi, al-Maqdisi, Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta), as well as the works of Western and Russian researchers who visited the region during the periods of the khanates and the emirate. The article also examines the scientific expeditions of the Soviet period (T.Zvonkova, M.Umarov, I.Nazarov and others) and modern studies conducted during the years of independence. It is emphasized that these works have contributed to the development of a profound and systematic approach to studying the physical geography of the Bukhara region. The article serves as an important theoretical and practical source for specialists, students, and researchers interested in the history of geographical studies of the region.