Bekabad


Bekabad, formerly Begovat, is a city in eastern Uzbekistan,. It lies along both banks of the Syr Darya River near Uzbekistan's border with Tajikistan.
Bekabad 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.
Bekabad underwent rapid industrialization during the Soviet era. It has retained some of its industrial importance. Bekabad 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

Bekabad originally arose in connection with a cement plant. In 1942–44, a steel plant was constructed in the town. In 1943–48, the Farkhad Dam and Farkhad Hydroelectric Plant were built near Bekabad. 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

Bekabad 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 south of Tashkent.

Climate

Bekabad has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with continental influences. It has cold winters and hot summers. The average June–July temperature is. Sometimes the average June–July temperature reaches. The mean temperature in January is.

Demographics

In 2009, Bekabad had a population of 101,292. Representatives of many ethnic groups can be found in the city. Uzbeks are the largest ethnic group.

Economy

Bekabad 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

Bekabad is home to a medical institute and a vocational school. There are also 17 secondary schools, two music schools, and one sports school in the city.