Bekobod ( formerly Begovat) is a district-level city in Tashkent Region, eastern Uzbekistan. It lies along both banks of the Syr Darya River near Uzbekistan's border with Tajikistan. Bekobod originally arose in connection with a cement plant. It received the status of a city in 1945. Until 1964, the city was known as Begovat. Bekobod underwent rapid industrialization during the Soviet era. It has retained some of its industrial importance. Bekobod is home to a large steel mill and a cement factory. The Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant lie just upstream from the city.

History

Bekobod originally arose in connection with a cement plant. From 1942 to 1944, a steel plant was constructed in the town. from 1943 to 1948, the Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant were built near Bekobod. The latter is a major source of electricity and irrigation water for Uzbekistan. Bekobod received city status in 1945. Until 1964, the city was known as Begovat.

Geography

Bekobod lies along both banks of the Syr Darya River near Uzbekistan's border with Tajikistan. There are mountains to the northeast and southeast of the city. By road it is 140 km south of Tashkent.

Climate

Bekobod has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa) with continental influences. It has cold winters and hot summers. The average June–July temperature is 28 - 30 C. Sometimes the average June–July temperature reaches 40 C. The mean temperature in January is -2 - -3 C.

Demographics

In 2021, Bekobod had a population of 96,900. Representatives of many ethnic groups can be found in the city. Uzbeks are the largest ethnic group.

Economy

Bekobod remains an important industrial city in independent Uzbekistan. It is home to a large steel mill and a cement factory. There is also a brick factory, a meat-packing plant, a cotton plant, and many small and medium enterprises. The Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant lie just upstream from the city.

Education

Bekobod has a medical institute and a vocational school.

Notable people