Istaravshan

Istaravshan, city, Tajikistan, in the northern foothills of the Turkistan Range. One of the most ancient cities of the republic, it may date from the 6th century ce, but it bore its former name only from the 17th to the early 21st century. It was famous in the past for its handicrafts, particularly carving, glazed pottery, embroidery, and gold and silver ornaments, but now has an economy based on fruit processing and wine making, though some crafts survive. In the centre of the city is the 16th-century tiled Kok-Gumbez Mosque. Pop. (2007 est.) 60,200.