The city of Nukus, the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, was founded on the site of the ancient settlement of Shorsha. According to archaeologists, the settlement emerged in the 4th century BC and existed until the 4th century AD. The settlement served as one of the defensive structures that protected the borders of the ancient Khorezm state and controlled the waterways along the Amu Darya River.
In the 1860s, the village of Nukus (No’kis) was established at the site of the ancient settlement of Shorsha, named after one of the Karakalpak clans. In 1932, the village was transformed into a city and become an important cultural and administrative center of the region.
Nukus is located in the southern part of Karakalpakstan, on the right bank of the Amu Darya River, approximately 800 km northwest of Tashkent (1255 km by road). The southern and eastern outskirts of the city are bordered by the vast sands of the Kyzylkum Desert, while the Amu Darya flows on the western side of Nukus. Important water arteries, such as the main Kyzketken Canal (Doslyk) and the Anasai Canal (Kattagar), run through the city.
The area of Nukus is 221 km². According to statistical data for the end of 2024, the city's population is estimated to be 343,500, which corresponds to a density of 1,518 people per square kilometer. The official language here is Karakalpak, which plays a key role in preserving the cultural identity of the local population.
Nukus is a significant educational center, home to essential scientific and educational institutions. The Karakalpak branch of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with several research institutes, actively engages in research and development activities.
The city hosts 51 general education schools, colleges, and academic lyceums, as well as 5 boarding schools and 52 preschool institutions, creating favorable conditions for the development of the younger generation. Residents have access to 2 libraries and 9 family clinics, contributing to the improvement of quality of life and educational standards in the region.
The capital of Karakalpakstan, Nukus, is an important cultural center. Its jewel is the State Museum of Arts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan named after I.V. Savitsky. This museum carefully preserves the second most significant collection of Russian avant-garde art in the world, serving as a source of inspiration for art enthusiasts.
Another notable institution is the State Museum of History and Culture of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, which features remarkable artifacts that tell the story of the region's rich heritage.
Among the city's attractions is the State Museum of the History of Karakalpak Literature named after Berdakh.
Theater lovers can enjoy creative performances at the Karakalpak State Academic Musical Theater named after Berdakh, the Karakalpak State Puppet Theater, and the Youth Theater, where vibrant and memorable shows are held annually.
The sporting life in Nukus is vibrant and reflects the local residents' commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle. The city boasts approximately 200 sports halls and facilities, including the notable Turan Stadium, a racetrack, and swimming pools.
The Nukus International Airport serves as the air gateway to Karakalpakstan and serves flights in the western part of Uzbekistan. With a runway length of 3,000 meters, it can accommodate aircraft of any type, creating opportunities for international charter flights.
Local flights to and from Tashkent operate almost daily, and a route to Muynak has also been established. Additionally, the airport provides air connections with Russia and Kazakhstan. In the capital of Karakalpakstan, there is a modern railway station, through which both local and international trains operate.
The population of Nukus is multinational, with Karakalpaks, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Russians, Tatars, Turkmens, and representatives of other nationalities living harmoniously together in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. Most residents practice Sunni Islam, while followers of other faiths are also present in the city, highlighting the spirit of religious freedom and respect for cultural differences.
Nukus has a sharply continental climate characterized by pronounced dryness. The hot, largely cloudless summer smoothly transitions into a mildly snowy winter, creating unique climatic conditions that shape the distinct character of the region.
Nukus is rapidly developing while carefully preserving its unique identity. This creates a special allure for visitors wishing to discover its rich cultural heritage and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of local traditions.