Fergana Valley Enclaves

What are Fergana Valley Enclaves?

An enclave refers to a small territory or region that is entirely surrounded by the territory of another state. In the context of Central Asia, enclaves often lead to complex travel challenges, particularly when crossing borders. This is especially true in mountainous areas like the Fergana Valley, where roadways sometimes pass through foreign territories, resulting in border control stops and added travel restrictions. These complications arise due to the region’s unique geography and the intricate border arrangements between neighboring countries.

Enclaves in the Fergana Valley: A Complex Border Issue in Central Asia

The Fergana Valley is a particularly notable region, as it contains six enclaves divided between the post-Soviet states of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The exact number of enclaves, however, remains somewhat unclear, as some territories are very small and the agreements between the states are not always transparent. The most significant change in recent years has been the transfer of the Barak enclave—once located near Osh in Kyrgyzstan—back to Uzbekistan. This exchange was made in return for land in the Ala-Buka district in northern Fergana, a move that helped clarify some of the region’s border disputes.

The Fergana Valley is shared by these three countries, all of which have deep historical, economic, and strategic interests in the region. Its fertile soil, crucial transport routes, and valuable natural resources make it a focal point for local governments. Unfortunately, negotiations between the three countries can often be tense, and conflicts occasionally escalate into border skirmishes. For example, in 2021 and 2022, tensions flared in the Batken area, which borders both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, highlighting the fragile nature of border relations in the region. These border disputes continue to affect local populations and pose challenges for those traveling across the region.

The Origins of Enclaves in Central Asia: A Legacy of Soviet Borders

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and how enclaves first emerged in Central Asia, as the region’s complex borders evolved over time. During the Soviet era, the entire territory of Central Asia was part of a larger unified system—essentially a “big family” of Soviet republics. In this environment, the diverse peoples and nations lived under the ideology of Soviet socialism, which promoted the idea of unity and tolerance. The belief was that these borders were permanent, and that the Soviet system would last indefinitely.

However, the creation of enclaves was largely a result of Soviet border policies, which often failed to take into account the intricate ethnic and cultural compositions of the populations in these regions. In particular, the Fergana Valley—a highly contested area shared by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—was divided in ways that created complex borders with little regard for the communities living there. While Soviet authorities worked extensively on defining Central Asia’s borders, this task was never fully completed. As a result, many villages found themselves physically located within foreign territories, creating numerous challenges for the inhabitants.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the newly independent countries of Central Asia were forced to address these inherited border issues. As borders were drawn and visa regimes were implemented, tensions began to surface. Enclave residents found themselves cut off from their home countries, often separated by several kilometers of foreign land. This shift brought about a host of logistical, social, and geopolitical challenges, as the local populations struggled to maintain connections and access basic resources like healthcare, education, and trade. The once united land of the Soviet Union became a patchwork of sovereign states, with enclaves at the heart of lingering tensions.

Enclaves in Central Asia: A Closer Look at the Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley is unique in Central Asia due to its concentration of enclaves—small territories that are entirely surrounded by the territory of another state. In total, there are eight enclaves in the region, with each one situated within the borders of another country.

Uzbekistan hosts four enclaves within Kyrgyzstan:

  1. Dzhangail
  2. Shohimardon
  3. Soh
  4. Qalacha—located next to Soh

These enclaves are marked by the green color on the map below, indicating their geographical placement within Kyrgyzstan.

Tajikistan contains three enclaves, two of which are within Kyrgyzstan and one within Uzbekistan:

  1. Vorukh—located in Kyrgyzstan (blue color)
  2. Qalacha—situated in Kyrgyzstan, but shared between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (blue color)
  3. Sarvak—found within Uzbekistan (red color)

These enclave arrangements result from the Soviet Union’s border policies, which often overlooked the national and ethnic composition of the areas. As a result, the boundaries between the newly independent states of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are fraught with complexities, leading to frequent disputes over the land and resources contained within these enclaves.

The Complex Borderlands of Central Asia

The Fergana Valley is home to a number of enclaves—territories that belong to one country but are completely surrounded by the territory of another. In total, there are eight enclaves within the valley, and six of them are located in Kyrgyzstan’s Batken region. These enclaves are scattered across a geopolitically sensitive area, which has historically been prone to tensions and conflicts.

Batken Region houses four Uzbekistani enclaves:

  1. Soh
  2. Shohimardon
  3. Qalacha
  4. Dzhangail

Among these, Soh and Shohimardon are the largest and most significant. These areas, often at the center of territorial disputes, are key points of interest due to their size and political importance.

Additionally, the Batken region also contains two Tajikistani enclaves:

  1. Vorukh – This is one of the largest Tajik enclaves in Kyrgyzstan, with a long history of disputes over its control.
    1. Kairragach – A much smaller enclave, but still part of the tense border region.

    Beyond the Batken region, the Uzbek Fergana Valley contains a small enclave of its own:

    • Sarvak – This enclave, belonging to Tajikistan, is just 14 km long and 500 meters wide. It’s one of the smallest enclaves in the region, yet it is strategically important.

    Soh, Shohimardon, and Vorukh are the largest and most significant enclaves in the region, making them the most notable, but also the most conflict-prone. All three of these enclaves are located at the edge of Kyrgyzstan’s part of the Fergana Valley, in the Batken area, an area that has experienced frequent tensions and even armed conflicts between the bordering countries. These enclaves are at the heart of many of the political disputes that continue to shape relations between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

    On the other hand, the smaller enclaves—Sarvak, Kairragach, Qalacha, and Dzhangail—are less significant from a tourism perspective. These areas have little to offer in terms of tourist attractions, and they are primarily noteworthy for their geopolitical implications rather than their cultural or natural landmarks.

Uzbekistan enclaves in Kyrgyzstan

Soh: The Largest Exclave in Central Asia

Located at the foot of the Pamir-Alay Mountains, Soh is the largest exclave in Central Asia, covering an area of approximately 325 km² and home to over 80,000 people. Despite being officially part of Uzbekistan, Soh is entirely surrounded by Kyrgyzstan and is situated in Kyrgyzstan’s Batken region. The district of Soh belongs to Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region, with its capital located in Ravon, and another notable village, Limbur, within the district.

A significant feature of Soh is that its population is predominantly ethnically Tajik, which has led to a unique cultural and linguistic blend within the enclave. The historical and political dynamics of Soh reflect its complex relationship with its surrounding countries and the legacy of Soviet-era border decisions.

Soh’s history dates back to the 1940s, when it was transferred from the Kokand Khanate to the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic by Soviet authorities. During the Soviet era, this decision ignored the ethnographic composition of the area, resulting in a situation where the majority of the population in Soh identified as Tajik, while being administratively part of Uzbekistan. In the post-Soviet period, Soh became a point of geopolitical tension, particularly in the 1990s, when it was suspected to have served as a haven for Islamic extremists. This suspicion grew due to the region’s proximity to conflict zones and the historical presence of armed resistance groups in Central Asia.

Before the Soviet restructuring, Soh was an important center of the Basmachi uprising, a resistance movement that fought against Bolshevik rule from 1918 to 1924. At that time, Soh was still connected to what was later to become Uzbekistan. However, the borders were redrawn in the mid-20th century. In 1955, much of the northern part of the then-Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Moscow, resulting in Soh being isolated as an exclave within Kyrgyzstan.

Today, Soh stands as a vivid reminder of the arbitrary nature of Soviet border decisions and continues to be an area of political and social complexity, with its unique history and strategic significance.

Qalacha / Chon-Kara

Chon-Kara or Qalacha is a tiny village roughly 3 km (1.9 mi) long and 1 km (0.62 mi). Chon-Kara is on the Sokh river, between the Uzbek border and the Sokh exclave. 

Shakhimardon

Chon-Kara, also known as Qalacha, is a small village in the Fergana Valley that holds a unique geographical and geopolitical position. Measuring just 3 km (1.9 miles) long and 1 km (0.62 miles) wide, it is one of the smallest enclaves in the region. Despite its modest size, Chon-Kara plays a part in the complex network of borders and territories that define the Fergana Valley.

Situated along the Sokh River, Chon-Kara lies between the Uzbek border and the Sokh exclave, making it a significant link in the intricate relationship between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The village serves as a connection point for the larger Sokh exclave, which is administered by Uzbekistan but surrounded entirely by Kyrgyz territory.

Chon-Kara’s strategic location has made it a notable feature in the region’s tangled border dynamics, though it holds little of interest from a tourist perspective. Its small population and limited infrastructure primarily serve the needs of the local residents and border management. Nonetheless, it remains a symbol of the geopolitical challenges inherited from the Soviet-era boundary decisions that continue to shape Central Asia today.

Jangyy-Ayyl

Jangyy-Ayyl also as Jani-Ayil or Dzhangail, a dot of land barely 3 km (1.9 mi) across.

Tajik enclaves in Kyrgyzstan

Two more enclaves belong to Tajikistan: Vorukh, a large, 130km2 enclave west of the regional capital that is connected by road to Isfara in Tajikistan, and Kairagach, another tiny settlement north of Suluktu in the far west. 

Vorukh

Vorukh is a mountain and beautiful village in Tajikistan surrounded by Kyrgyzstan. Vorukh is a rural community that belongs to the Isfara district of the Sughd region of Tajikistan. The population of the village is about 23121 with the Tadjik majority and Kyrgyz minority. Work is located on the Kshemysh River, the right tributary of the Karavshin River. 

Vorukh is the hottest point in Central Asia and situation is tense here. Residents of the enclave and surrounding areas mutually accuse each other of settling in disputed areas. Due to the inherent territorial limitations of the exclave, violent conflicts over land ownership, access to pasture, and shared water resources have become more common. 

One of the problems with Vorukh is the pass that connects the enclave with the mainland as well as it operates as one of the main roads to connect Kyrgyz towns with its regional center. For instance, the Leilek region connected with the rest of Kyrgyzstan lies through Vorukh road. Meanwhile, another road has been built for years and is still not complete. In spring 2021 after another tension, Kyrgyz authorities announced the beginning of Min-Bulak-Chorgo-Ak-Sai road in the Batken region. It will become an alternative to the existing road to the Ak-Sai village, located on the border with the Tajik enclave of Vorukh.

Kairagach

Kairagach is one of the smallest pieces of the land just 2 km long. It lies at the very end of the Batken province almost next to the Tajikistan mainland.

Tajikistan enclave in Uzbekistan

Sarvak

Sarvan is a Tajik enclave of the Sughd region surrounded by Uzbekistan. Sarvan is situated 1.4 km north of the Tajik-Uzbek border. The village covers a valley with an area of about 8 km² and holds a population of just around 150 people. 

Kyrgyzstan enclave in Uzbekistan

Barak

Barak is a Kyrgyz village with about 1000 residents. Barak is surrounded by the territory of Uzbekistan. Administratively the village is part of the Kara-Suu district of the Osh Region. Barak enclave is encircled by the Andijan region of Uzbekistan. It is located about 4 km northeast of the road from Osh and about 1.5 km from the Uzbek/Kyrgyz border, near Ak-Tash village.

Border disputes Related to Enclaves

Fergana Valley borders have always been highly challenged and led to disputes. Because of the the Tian Shan and Pamir mountains in the southern half of Batken region, for easy land travel to Tajikistan, particularly to the major city of Khujand. 

Since the independence of the old Soviet republics, the valley has been the scene of ethnic conflicts of land ownership between the countries and people still sometimes feel that they are on the wrong side of the border concerning their cultural identity. Division of Ferghana and other enclaves is a potentially destructive ethnic dispute there, and ethnic violence still happens there from time to time.

There have been proposals on all three country’s sides to exchange enclaves/exclaves in hope to create easier and less messy borders, but as of now, there are no plans.

Uzbekistan improved relations with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Until 2017, relations between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan were quite cold, making travel between the states difficult. In the late 90s, Uzbekistan had a clash with its border with Kyrgyzstan and tried to take Kyrgyzstan’s Barak exclave for itself by cutting off-road access, leading Kyrgyzstan to transport willing citizens to main Kyrgyzstan’s mainland. Sarvan also caused problems when there were droughts taking place and a terrorist attack happened in the early 2000s. It led Tajikistan to close off the border with Uzbekistan for a while, leaving Sarvan isolated.

With the arrival of the new president in Uzbekistan’s relations have improved with the bordering neighbors, which is also partly due to the specifying the borders and enclaves with Kyrgyzstan. Since spring 2021 the border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan has been greatly simplified. 

Tajikistan - Kyrgyzstan enclave disputes

Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan relations have been tense in recent years. Refugees and anti government fighters in Tajikistan have crossed into Kyrgyzstan several times, even taking hostages. It has not been totally clear if the water resources, roads or even drug trafficking or something else have been the reasons for the latest conflicts.

Visiting enclaves

In spring 2021 during our journey to Kan Fortress from Batken, we tried to pass through the Soh enclave as it is the fastest way with a better road. However, the guards denied entry for a citizen with foreign (Non Uzbek or Kyrgyz) passport holder, justifying the denial with the reason that only the passport holders of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan can enter the Soh enclave. Visa was not needed in this case. Guards also replied that they do not have the necessary stamping equipment in the enclave border stop.

After making some calls, guards suggested getting an Uzbek stamp in the passport by crossing the Kyrgyz – Uzbek main border near Osh, called Dostuk. Dostuk is located between Osh and Andijan. But finally they did not respond if it will guarantee the entry to Soh or any other enclave for foreigners.

It means that there is no certain answer to how foreign passport holders can enter the enclaves at the moment. Updates will follow as soon as there is new information available. 

We do not recommend visiting Kyrgyz – Tajik enclaves due to the recent events and the safety situation in the region!

Page updated 7.10.2024

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