Old Termez (Tarmitha) is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, with a history stretching back more than two millennia. Located on the banks of the Amudarya (Oxus) River, Termez was a vital hub on the Great Silk Road, connecting India, Bactria, Sogdiana, and beyond.

Historical Significance

• Founded in the 1st millennium BC, Termez was strategically placed at the crossing of trade routes from east to west and north to south.

• Known by many names: Taramaetha (Sanskrit, “on the other side of the river”), Antiochus‑Tarmita, Dermit, and Termiz.

• Flourished under the Greco‑Bactrian kings, especially Demetrius (200–185 BC), who united Gandhara and Sogdiana through Termez.

• Later rulers continued to develop Termez as a key trade and military center.

Kushan & Medieval Periods

• Under the Kushan Empire, Termez controlled major trade routes from India through the Oxus valley to Margiana, Parthia, and the Black Sea.

• Roman writers like Pliny and geographers such as Strabo described Termez as a vital trade hub.

• In the 9th–13th centuries, Termez became a flourishing city with strong commodity‑money relations and numerous caravanserais.

• It was also the largest port city on the Amudarya, with ships carrying goods to Khorezm and beyond.

Trade & Local Production

• Termez was not only a transit city but also an active producer of goods.

• Exports included asafetida (used in medicine and cuisine), boats, and pottery.

• Local artisans produced items for both domestic use and international trade, contributing to the city’s prosperity.

Why Visit Old Termez?

• Explore ruins of fortresses, citadels, and caravanserais that reveal its ancient past.

• Learn about the city’s role in connecting India, Central Asia, and Rome.

• Discover artifacts in the Termez Archaeological Museum that highlight its Greco‑Bactrian and Kushan heritage.

• Experience the atmosphere of a city that was once a crossroads of civilizations.

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📧 Email: rayhon@iguide.uz