Hazorasp

Hazorasp
Town
Coordinates:
Country	Uzbekistan
Region	Xorazm Region
District	Hazorasp District
Population  (2016)
• Total	18,800
Time zone	UTC+5 (UZT)

Hazorasp (Uzbek: Hazorasp, Ҳазорасп), also known as Khazarasp (Russian: Хазарасп), or by its more ancient name Hazarasp (Persian: هزار اسپ, meaning "thousand horses"), is an urban-type settlement in Uzbekistan, administrative centre of the Hazorasp District. Its population is 18,800 (2016). It lies at the head of the Amu Darya delta south of the Aral Sea.

History

It was an important trading center during the medieval period. During its history, the town has been subject to various battles; between the Ghaznavid Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni and the Ma'munid ruler Abu'l-Harith Muhammad in 1017; between the Seljuq Sultan Ahmad Sanjar and the Khwarazmian ruler Atsiz in 1147; and between the Khwarazmian ruler Muhammad II and the Ghurid ruler Mu'izz al-Din Muhammad. The town was finally destroyed during the Mongol invasions.

The town was later rebuilt, and only retained some of its importance. It was later a stronghold under the Mongol Arabshahids, and was also used as a residence by the Arabshahid princes. It was captured by the Russians during the Khivan campaign of 1873. The city has survived to present day, and is today a part of Uzbekistan. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in January 2008, in the Cultural category.