View source for Razzakov

{{otheruses}}
{{redirect|Isfana|for the river|Isfana River}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name            = Isfana / Razzakov
| settlement_type          = Town
| native_name              = {{langx|ky|Исфана / Раззаков}}
| image_skyline            = One of the Streets of Isfana.JPG
| imagesize                = 250px
| image_caption            = One of the streets of Razzakov
| image_flag               = 
| image_seal               = Coat of arms of Razzakov city.png
| image_map                = 
| map_caption              = 
| pushpin_map              = Kyrgyzstan
| pushpin_label_position   = bottom
| pushpin_mapsize          = 250
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Kyrgyzstan
| subdivision_type         = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
| subdivision_type1        = [[Regions of Kyrgyzstan|Region]]
| subdivision_type2        = District
| subdivision_name         = [[File:Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg|25px]] [[Kyrgyzstan]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Batken Region|Batken]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Leylek District|Leylek]]
| established_title        = City status
| established_date         = 2001
| government_type          = 
| leader_title             = Mayor
| leader_name              = Chyngyz Rysov
| area_magnitude           = 
| area_total_km2           = 41.35
| area_total_sq_mi         = 107
| area_land_km2            = 
| area_urban_km2           = 
| area_metro_km2           = 
| population_as_of         = 2021
| population_footnotes     = <ref name=pop21/>
| population_total         = 34219
| population_urban         = 23038
| population_metro         = 
| population_density_km2   = auto
| timezone                 = KGT
| utc_offset               = +6
| timezone_DST             = 
| utc_offset_DST           = 
| coordinates              = {{coord|39|50|14|N|69|32|0|E|region:KG|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_footnotes      = 
| elevation_m              = 1320
| postal_code_type         = Postal code
| postal_code              = 720400<ref name=SPR>{{cite web|title=Isfana|url=http://www.spr.kg/isfana-i-lyaylyakskiy-rayon/|work=SPR|access-date=1 May 2013|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609171002/http://www.spr.kg/isfana-i-lyaylyakskiy-rayon/|archive-date=9 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_code                = +996 3656
| website                  = [http://isfana.kg/ isfana.kg]
| footnotes                = 
}}
'''Razzakov''' ({{langx|ky|Раззаков|Razzakov}}; {{langx|uz|Razzoqov / Раззоқов}}), formerly known as '''Isfana''', is a [[town]] in the extreme western end of [[Batken Region]] in southern [[Kyrgyzstan]]. The town is located in the southern part of the [[Fergana Valley]], in a region surrounded on three sides by [[Tajikistan]]. It was renamed by President [[Sadyr Japarov]] in honour of [[Iskhak Razzakov]] on March 18, 2022.

Razzakov has been inhabited since at least the 9th century. It underwent significant changes during the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] period. The [[selsoviet]] (rural council) of Isfana was established in 1937. The selsoviet was transformed into a village administration in 1996. In 2001, [[Askar Akayev]] issued a presidential [[decree]] to make Isfana into a town.

Razzakov is the administrative center of [[Leylek District]]. The villages [[Ak-Bosogo, Batken|Ak-Bosogo]] (formerly Myrza-Patcha), [[Samat, Kyrgyzstan|Samat]], [[Chimgen]], [[Taylan (village)|Taylan]], [[Ak-Bulak, Leylek|Ak-Bulak]], and [[Golbo]] are also governed by the Razzakov Mayor's Office.<ref name=class>{{cite web|url=https://stat.gov.kg/media/files/21f93e4d-9418-433e-aed9-ecb28d70ef5a.doc|title=Classification system of territorial units of the Kyrgyz Republic|language=ky|date=May 2021|publisher=National Statistics Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic|pages=40–42}}</ref> As of 2021, the population of Razzakov and the subordinated villages is 34,219. The population of Razzakov itself is 23,038.<ref name=pop21>{{cite Kyrgyzstan population 2021}}</ref>

==Names and etymology==
{{multiple image
|align     = left
|header    = Town signs
|width     = 200px
|image1    = The Isfana Sign (cropped).jpg
|alt1      = 
|caption1  = The Isfana sign which used to stand in the north-western corner of the town before it was renamed in 2022. 
|image2    = The Razzaqov Sign.jpg
|alt2      = 
|caption2  = The new town signed installed in the eastern part of Isfana. The [[Iskhak Razzakov]] statue was moved here from the town center.
}}
The word "isfana" is believed to have come from the [[Sogdian language|Sogdian]] word ''asbanikat'', ''asbanikent'' or ''aspanakent'' which means "the land of horses".{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=9}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Интересные факты о городе Исфана |trans-title=Interesting facts about Isfana|url=https://limon.kg/news:64812 |website=Limon |access-date=18 September 2019 |language=ru |date=23 January 2015}}</ref> According to historian Numon Negmatov, from the first to the ninth centuries Isfana was known as ''Asbanikat''. From the 10th to the 12th centuries it was called ''Aspanikent''.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=20}} Starting from the 12th or 13th century the town's name gradually changed to ''Asbani'', ''Aspana'', ''Asvona'', ''Isvona'' and, finally, to ''Isfana''.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=9}}

Since ''Isfana'' is not a [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]] word, Kyrgyz nationalists called for renaming the town in honor of [[Iskhak Razzakov]] who served as the first secretary of the Communist Party of the Kyrgyz SSR.<ref>{{cite news|title=2015 is going to be the year of Iskhak Razzakov|work=Ata Jurt|issue=8418|date=13 December 2014|volume=22|page=2|language=ky}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Isfana should be renamed after Iskhak Razzakov|work=SuLey Info|issue=107–108|date=13 December 2014|page=2|language=ky}}</ref><ref name="eurasianet">{{cite news |last1=Leonard |first1=Peter|last2=Imanaliyeva |first2=Ayzirek|title=Kyrgyzstan: Town near Tajik border renamed in nationalist gesture |url=https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-town-near-tajik-border-renamed-in-nationalist-gesture |access-date=21 March 2022 |agency=Eurasianet |date=30 December 2021}}</ref> In December 2021, President [[Sadyr Japarov]] announced that he had made the decision to rename the town after Razzakov<ref>{{cite news |title=Город Исфана будет переименован в город Раззаков, - президент |url=https://kg.akipress.org/news:1752703/?from=eco&place=nowread |access-date=25 December 2021 |work=AKIpress |date=25 December 2021 |language=Russian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kudayarov |first1=Borubek |title=Садыр Жапаров решил переименовать Исфану в Раззаков |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/451791_sadyr_japarov_reshil_pereimenovat_isfany_v_razzakov.html |access-date=25 December 2021 |work=Kaktusmedia |date=25 December 2021 |language=Russian}}</ref> in the context of [[2021 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes|border tensions]] with neighboring Tajikistan.<ref name="eurasianet"/> Later Japarov signed the Law "On renaming the city of Isfana, Leilek District, Batken Region, into the city of Razzakov", which was adopted by the [[Supreme Council (Kyrgyzstan)|Supreme Council]] on March 16, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maslova |first1=Dina |title=Город Исфана в Баткенской области переименован в Раззаков |url=https://kaktus.media/doc/456553_gorod_isfana_v_batkenskoy_oblasti_pereimenovan_v_razzakov.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |agency=Kaktus |date=18 March 2022 |language=Russian}}</ref>

== History ==
=== Early history ===
The history of Razzakov dates back to the 9-16th centuries.<ref name="OOE">{{cite encyclopedia | editor = B. Oruzbayeva | year = 1987 | title = Isfana | encyclopedia = Osh Oblast Encyclopedia | publisher = [[Kyrgyz Soviet Encyclopedia]] | location = [[Bishkek|Frunze]] | language = ru | page = 247 }}</ref><ref name="AMKR">{{cite web|title=Isfana: City Profile|url=http://www.citykr.kg/en/isfana.php|work=The Association of Municipalities of the Kyrgyz Republic|access-date=28 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024081714/http://www.citykr.kg/en/isfana.php|archive-date=24 October 2014}}</ref> In 1957, archeologist Y. A. Zadneprovskiy found items dating back to the 14-16th centuries in the territory of the town.<ref name="OOE"/> According to Numon Negmatov, Isfana corresponds to the medieval town of Asbanikat.<ref name="OOE"/> The town was first part of [[Osrushana]] and was later conquered by the [[Samanids]]. In 1221, Isfana was sieged and conquered by the [[Mongol Empire]]. The northwestern part of Razzakov through which the Mongols invaded is still known as "conquered by the Mongols" ({{langx|ky|Моңол Баскан}}; {{langx|uz|Moʻgʻul Bosgan / Мўғул Босган}}).{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=14}}

The medieval town of Isfana was in the central part of modern Razzqov. It was home to a large fortress which was built in the 12th century.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=9}} The last remaining walls of the Isfana Fortress were demolished in the 1970s.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=10}}

=== 18-19th centuries ===
Throughout history, Razzakov was part of states that reigned the area that more or less corresponds to present-day [[Uzbekistan]]. From 1709 until 1876, Isfana was part of the [[Uzbeks|Uzbek]] [[Khanate of Kokand]]. In mid-19th century, the [[Russian Empire]] began occupying the area of present-day [[Central Asia]]. By the late 19th century, imperial Russia had conquered all of the three states that dominated the territory roughly corresponding to present-day Uzbekistan.<ref name="Encarta">{{cite encyclopedia | last = Fierman | first = William | year = 2009 | title = Uzbekistan | encyclopedia = Microsoft Student | publisher = Microsoft Corporation | location = Redmond, WA }}</ref> The [[Khanate of Khiva]] was conquered in 1873 and the [[Emirate of Bukhara]] fell in 1868. The Kokand Khanate formally became part of the Russian Empire in 1876.

[[Russia]]n linguist Mirsalikh Bekchurin wrote that in 1866 there were about 500 households in Isfana.<ref name="Bekchurin">{{cite book|author1=Mir-Salikh Bekchurin|title=Notes of the Orenburg Department of the Imperial Russian Geographical Society|date=1871|location=Kazan|page=228|url=http://lib.rgo.ru/reader/flipping/Resource-673/RuPRLIB12047708/index.html|access-date=31 May 2016|language=ru|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510151921/http://lib.rgo.ru/reader/flipping/Resource-673/RuPRLIB12047708/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, [[Uzbek people|Uzbek]] historian Temirboy Yoqubov disputed this claim, saying that the residents of Isfana had historically paid taxes for 1,000 households.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=31}} Bekchurin wrote that Isfana was protected by a 200-men garrison whose members were armed "only with lances and sabers".<ref name="Bekchurin"/>

=== Soviet and contemporary history ===
Even though Razzakov was historically an [[Uzbeks|Uzbek]] settlement, it became part of present-day Kyrgyzstan. When Russians split the [[Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic]] into autonomous oblasts, Isfana became part of the [[Kara-Kirghiz Autonomous Oblast]], which was later reorganized into the Kirghiz ASSR and later into the [[Kirghiz SSR]]. After the [[Dissolution of the Soviet Union|dissolution of the USSR]], the Kirghiz SSR became Kyrgyzstan. Thus, despite being a majority-Uzbek settlement, Isfana became part of Kyrgyzstan.

[[File:The Main Bazaar of Isfana in 1990.jpg|thumb|The main bazaar of the then village of Isfana in 1990]]
Some sources hold that the Soviets drew borders inconsistent with the traditional locations of ethnic populations so that people with historical claims to land would be dependent on the central power, that is [[Moscow]], making them easier to control.<ref name=LP>{{cite book|last=Mayhew|first=Bradley|title=Lonely Planet Central Asia|year=2000|publisher=Lonely Planet Publications|isbn=0-86442-673-9|pages=34, 159|edition=2|author2=Richard Plunkett |author3=Simon Richmond }}</ref> According to these sources, the creation of individual republics was meant to reduce the threat of [[Pan-Turkism|pan-Turkic]] or [[Pan-Islamism|pan-Islamic]] movements in Central Asia.<ref name=Transformation>{{cite book|title=Soviet Central Asia: The Failed Transformation|year=1991|publisher=Westview Press|location=Boulder|isbn=0-8133-7907-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/sovietcentralasi00fier/page/17 17]|editor=William Fierman|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sovietcentralasi00fier/page/17}}</ref> This strategy has been referred to as [[Joseph Stalin]]'s "[[divide and rule]]" policy.<ref name=Transformation/><ref name="LP"/> Currently, there are many traditionally Uzbek settlements in Kyrgyzstan. Many people in Central Asia believe that they should more appropriately be part of another country.<ref name="LP"/> However, some scholars claim that since during the Soviet demarcation of Central Asia many places in Central Asia were ethnically mixed, it was impossible to clearly define ethnic and territorial boundaries.<ref name=Tishkov>{{cite book|last=Tishkov|first=Valeriy|title=Ethnicity, Nationalism and Conflict in and After the Soviet Union: The Mind Aflame|url=https://archive.org/details/ethnicitynationa00tish|url-access=limited|year=1997|publisher=Sage Publications|location=London|isbn=978-0761951858|pages=[https://archive.org/details/ethnicitynationa00tish/page/n241 30]–31}}</ref>

Razzakov underwent significant changes during the Soviet period. Under the Soviet rule, Isfana was transformed from an underdeveloped Muslim settlement into a typical Soviet village. The [[selsoviet]] (rural council) of Isfana was established in 1937. During [[World War II]], 571 residents of the village were sent to the front line, 385 of whom died fighting.{{sfn|Yoqubov|2001|p=51-57}}

The Isfana selsoviet was transformed into a village administration in 1996. In 2001, [[Askar Akayev]] issued a presidential [[decree]] to make Isfana into a town. The town was renamed Razzakov on 16 March 2022.

== Geography ==
Razzakov is in the western part of [[Batken Region]] at an altitude of 1,320 meters above [[sea level]]. The [[Isfana River]], one of the tributaries of the [[Syr-Darya]], flows through Razzakov.<ref name="OE">{{cite encyclopedia |last= |first= |author-link= |editor-last=Oruzbaeva |editor-first=B. |editor-link= |encyclopedia=Oshskaya oblast'. Entsiklopediya |title=Исфана |trans-title=Isfana |url= |access-date= |language=Russian |edition= |date= |year=1987 |publisher=Glavnaya redaktsiya Kirgizskoy sovetskoy entsiklopedii |series= |volume= |location=Frunze |id= |isbn= |issn= |oclc= |doi= |page=247 |pages= |quote= |ref= }}</ref>

The town is surrounded by [[mountains]] on three sides. The mountains are within a few kilometers from the city. The highest of these are the mountains of the [[Turkestan Range]], which is a northern extension of the [[Pamir-Alay]] system of mountain ranges.

=== Area ===
[[File:Mountains located South of Isfana.JPG|thumb|Mountains of the Turkestan Range to the south of Razzakov]]
The area of Razzakov is 41.35 square kilometers (107 square miles).

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!width="35" rowspan="1"| Settlement
!width="55" rowspan="1"| Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
|-
|Razzakov
|align="center"|2.52
|-
|[[Ak-Bosogo, Batken|Ak-Bosogo]]
|align="center"|0.26
|-
|[[Samat, Kyrgyzstan|Samat]]
|align="center"|1.16
|-
|[[Chimgen]]
|align="center"|0.87
|-
|[[Taylan (village)|Taylan]]
|align="center"|0.49
|-
|[[Ak-Bulak, Leylek|Ak-Bulak]]
|align="center"|0.3
|-
|[[Golbo]]
|align="center"|0.28
|-
|}

=== Climate ===
Razzakov has a [[cold semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BSk'') with sharp [[Continental climate|continental]] influences. The city has hot summers and cold winters. The spring and fall see significant [[rainfall]], while the summers are hot and dry. There are many dryland [[wheat]] and [[barley]] fields in the Isfana area that depend on winter [[snow]] and spring rain to produce good crops.

Summers are long in Razzakov, usually lasting from May to September. Razzakov can be extremely hot during the summer months. The town also sees very little precipitation during the summer, particularly from June through September.
{{Weather box
|location= Razzakov (Isfana) 1991–2020
|single line= Yes
|metric first= Yes
|Jan mean C= -2.0
|Feb mean C= -0.5
|Mar mean C= 5.1
|Apr mean C= 10.8
|May mean C= 15.3
|Jun mean C= 19.6
|Jul mean C= 22.0
|Aug mean C= 21.0
|Sep mean C= 16.4
|Oct mean C= 10.4
|Nov mean C= 4.6
|Dec mean C= 0.1
|year mean C= 
|source 1 =[[NOAA]]<ref name=NOAA>
{{cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Kyrgyzstan/CSV/Isfana_38722.csv|title=Taldykorgan Climate Normals 1991–2020 |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |access-date=1 November 2023 }}</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
[[File:A group of Isfanans in the town's bazaar.jpg|thumb|A group of Razzakovites and foreign tourists in the town's bazaar]]
As of 2021, the total population of Razzakov and the subordinated villages is estimated to be 34,219 people. The population of the town of Razzakov itself is 23,038.<ref name=pop21/>

According to the 2009 Population and Housing Census of Kyrgyzstan, at that time the population of Razzakov itself was 18,244 and the population of Razzakov and the subordinated villages was 27,965.<ref name=census09/> The 1999 census had put the number of people living in the then village of Isfana at 15,910.<ref name=citypop/> As of 2021, the populations of Razzakov and the subordinated villages are as follows:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
!width="35" rowspan="1"| Settlement
!width="55" rowspan="1"| Population
|-
|Razzakov
|align="center"|23,038
|-
|[[Ak-Bosogo, Batken|Ak-Bosogo]]
|align="center"|901
|-
|[[Samat, Kyrgyzstan|Samat]]
|align="center"|2,359
|-
|[[Chimgen]]
|align="center"|3,490
|-
|[[Taylan (village)|Taylan]]
|align="center"|1,616
|-
|[[Ak-Bulak, Leylek|Ak-Bulak]]
|align="center"|952
|-
|[[Golbo]]
|align="center"|1,810
|-
|}

{{Historical populations
|source=<ref name=citypop>{{cite web|title=Kyrgyzstan|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/Kyrgyzstan.html|website=City Population|access-date=30 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=census09>{{cite Kyrgyzstan census 2009|Batken|210}}</ref><ref name=pop21 />
|1979|9629
|1989|13193
|1999|15910
|2009|18244
|2021|23038
|}}

A large number of the residents of Razzakov are [[migrant worker]]s in [[Russia]]. There are no official data on the number of Razzakovites who work abroad.

Representatives of many ethnic groups can be found in the town. [[Uzbeks]] are the largest ethnic group in Razzakov. However, if the populations of the six subordinated villages are included, the [[Kyrgyz people|Kyrgyz]] become the largest ethnic group. According to data from 2005, the ethnic make-up of Razzakov and the six subordinated villages is as follows: 50.2 percent are Kyrgyz, 48.6 percent are Uzbek, 0.3 percent are [[Tatars|Tatar]], 0.3 percent are [[Tajiks|Tajik]], and the rest are representatives of various other ethnic groups.<ref name="AMKR"/>

Razzakov has traditionally been [[Islam|Muslim]]. The residents of Razzakov are [[Sunni Muslims]]. There are five [[mosque]]s in the town. There are no sizeable communities of other religious groups.

== Economy ==
[[File:The Main Bazaar of Isfana.jpg|thumb|left|The main bazaar of Razzakov]]
During the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] era, there were some [[factory|factories]] in Razzakov. Also, there was a large [[kolkhoz]]. Since Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991, almost all of the factories have closed.

Many Razzakovites now go abroad to make a living, with the most popular destination being Russia. People also go to the neighboring countries of [[Kazakhstan]], Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are no reliable data on the number of labor migrants from Razzakov.

People who stay in the town engage in [[trade]] and [[agriculture]]. [[Animal husbandry]] is also widespread. Those who engage in agriculture mostly grow [[Food grain|grains]], [[fruits]], [[vegetables]], and plants that produce [[Vegetable oil|oil]].

Razzakov has two large [[bazaar]]s. Most sellers who work in these bazaars bring their goods from markets in [[Osh]], [[Kara-Suu]], and [[Khujand]]. Razzakov also has a livestock market which is open on Thursdays and Fridays.

The economy of Razzakov, like the economy of many Kyrgyzstani towns, is primarily [[kiosk]] in nature. A large amount of local commerce occurs at the bazaars and small kiosks all over the town. A significant amount of trade is unregulated. The town lacks a centralized sewage system and piped gas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Депутат Миргул Темирбаева подняла вопрос центральной канализации в городе Раззаков |url=https://kenesh.kg/ru/posts/7738 |website=Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic |access-date=24 July 2024 |language=Russian |date=13 March 2024}}</ref>

== Government ==
Razzakov has a [[mayor]]–[[council]] form of government. Members of the Town ''Kenesh'' (Council) elect the mayor. The Town Kenesh has 30 members. The villages of [[Ak-Bosogo, Batken|Ak-Bosogo]] (formerly Myrza-Patcha), [[Samat, Kyrgyzstan|Samat]], [[Chimgen]], [[Ak-Bulak, Leilek|Ak-Bulak]], [[Taylan (village)|Taylan]], and [[Golbo]] are also governed by the administration of Razzakov. The current mayor of Razzakov is Chyngyz Rysov.<ref>{{cite web|last1=|first1=|title=Chyngezbek Rysov elected mayor of Razzakov. Resume|url=https://www.turmush.kg/ru/news:1708200|access-date=8 October 2021|website=Turmush|date=8 June 2021|language=ru}}</ref>

[[File:Building of Mayor's Office, Isfana.JPG|thumb|The building of the Razzakov Mayor's Office]]
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:100%;"
|+ '''List of mayors of Razzakov'''
|- valign=bottom

! width="25px" | No.
! width="160px" | Mayor
! width="180px" | Took office
! width="180px" | Left office

|-
|align="center" | 1 || Saliha Muratova || February 2, 2001 || April 10, 2001

|-
|align="center" | 2 || Umarali Isabekov || April 12, 2001 || December 18, 2005

|-
|align="center" | 3 || Maʻrifjon Moʻminov || December 20, 2005 || February 9, 2009

|-
|align="center" | 4 || Ysak Pazylov || March 10, 2009 || July 16, 2010

|-
|align="center" | 5 || Berdimurat Jalilov || July 16, 2010 || August 27, 2011

|-
|align="center" | 6 || Hamza Salyamov || August 27, 2011 || January 31, 2013

|-
|align="center" | 7 || Tashpolot Kozubayev || January 31, 2013  || December 16, 2014

|-
|align="center" | 8 || Mukhtar Anarbotoyev || January 15, 2015 || August 24, 2018

|-
|align="center" | 9 || Abdivali Khamraev || September 18, 2018 || June 7, 2021

|-
|align="center" | 10 || Chingiz Rysov || June 7, 2021 || Incumbent
|}

Razzakov is the administrative center of [[Leylek District]] to which it is subordinated. All of the administrative agencies of the District of Leylek are in Razzakov.

Like in other Kyrgyzstani settlements where there are large groups of ethnic minorities, virtually all administrative positions in Leylek District are held by ethnic Kyrgyz.<ref name=AR222>{{cite web|title=Kyrgyzstan: Widening Ethnic Divisions in the South|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/central-asia/kyrgyzstan/222-kyrgyzstan-widening-ethnic-divisions-in-the-south.pdf|work=[[International Crisis Group]]|access-date=15 November 2013|location=Brussels|format=Report|date=29 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124221720/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/central-asia/kyrgyzstan/222-kyrgyzstan-widening-ethnic-divisions-in-the-south.pdf|archive-date=24 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Uzbeks of Kyrgyzstan complain of discrimination and corruption|url=http://www.centrasia.ru/newsA.php?st=1138598280|access-date=29 April 2013|newspaper=Eurasianet|date=30 January 2006|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229052348/http://www.centrasia.ru/newsA.php?st=1138598280|archive-date=2012-02-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since Kyrgyzstan became independent, all heads of Leylek District have been ethnic Kyrgyz. Currently there are a few ethnic Uzbeks working in the Razzakov Mayor's Office and Razzakov Town Council.

== Education ==
=== High schools ===
[[File:Uzbek gymnasium, 2012.JPG|thumb|right|The [[Uzbek Gymnasium]], one of the two gymnasium schools in Razzakov]]
Razzakov has many educational institutions. There are two [[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasium schools]] in Razzakov: [[Gymnasium School No. 1 (Isfana)|Gymnasium School No. 1]] and the [[Uzbek Gymnasium]]. Both of these schools accept more academically-inclined students. There is also a boarding school for children from disadvantaged families, namely [[Ak Chyiyr Children's Education Center]].

There are six secondary [[school]]s in Razzakov. While in the majority of these schools students are taught only in [[Uzbek language|Uzbek]], some schools have both Uzbek and [[Kyrgyz language|Kyrgyz]] classes. The largest secondary schools are [[Alisher Navoiy Secondary School (Isfana)|Alisher Navoiy]], [[Gagarin Secondary School (Isfana)|Gagarin]], and [[Isfana Secondary School|Isfana]] secondary schools. At Alisher Navoiy Secondary School, classes are taught in Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and [[Russian language|Russian]]. While at Gagarin Secondary School the primary medium of instruction is Russian, the school has Kyrgyz classes as well. At Isfana Secondary School, students are taught only in Uzbek. [[Amir Temur Secondary School (Isfana)|Amir Temur]] and [[Toktogul Secondary School (Isfana)|Toktogul]] secondary schools have only Uzbek classes as well. [[Issyk Kul Secondary School (Isfana)|Issyk Kul Secondary School]] is the smallest school in Isfana and has both Kyrgyz and Uzbek classes.

[[English language|English]] is taught as a foreign language at all of the schools in Razzakov. However, the quality of English teaching tends to be poor. The students also learn Kyrgyz and Russian, the two official languages of Kyrgyzstan. Thus, in Razzakov Uzbek schoolchildren learn four languages and Kyrgyz schoolchildren learn three languages.

=== Colleges and vocational schools ===
There is a branch of the International Academy of Management, Law, Finance, and Business ({{langx|ru|Международная Академия управления, права, финансов и бизнеса}}) in Razzakov. The academy has its main campus in [[Bishkek]]. Razzakov is also home to [[Vocational School No. 48]] which trains [[seamstress]]es, [[carpenter]]s, [[electrician]]s, and [[Driver (person)|driver]]s.

== Culture ==
There is one public library in Razzakov, namely the [[Leylek District Library]], which has a children's branch. In 1979, the Leylek District Library was designated as the central library in the Leylek District Library Network, which includes a total of 28 libraries across the district.<ref name="OE"/> The Leylek District Library is located on the second floor of the Razzakov House of Culture, with the children's library housed in a separate building nearby.

[[File:Районный дом культуры.jpg|thumb|The Razzakov House of Culture, which also houses the [[Leylek District Library]]]]
Razzakov is home to three museums: the Museum of History (established in 1986), the Iskhak Razzakov Museum (established in 1990), and the Museum of Fame (established in 1990). The town has a children's [[music school]] where schoolchildren can learn to sing, dance, and play various [[musical instrument]]s, such as the [[accordion]], [[komuz]], and [[piano]]. Until 2014, there were [[dayereh]], [[dutar]], and [[Rubab (instrument)|rubab]] classes as well. There is also an educational center for children which offers courses in [[painting]], [[dancing]], [[sculpture]], [[knitting]], [[computing]], and foreign languages.

Razzakov has only one [[park]], namely [[Samat Sadykov Park]]. There is a soccer stadium in the middle of the park where most public events take place. The stadium can hold up to 5,000 people. The main cinema of Razzakov has been closed since Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the [[Soviet Union]] in the early 1990s.

There is an Uzbek culture center<ref name="AMKR"/> which has remained largely inactive following [[2010 South Kyrgyzstan ethnic clashes|the 2010 ethnic clashes]] between the Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan. During the ethnic violence, which lasted from June 10 until June 14, the situation was very volatile in Razzakov, but no large clashes took place between members of the two ethnic groups.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Kowalchuk|first=Darren|title=Isfana, Kyrgyzstan: Arriving Here from There|journal=OSCE Magazine|date=29 November 2012|issue=4/2012|page=27|url=http://www.osce.org/home/97663?download=true|access-date=13 May 2014|editor1-first=Ursula|editor1-last=Froese|publisher=[[OSCE]]|location=Vienna}}</ref>

== Transportation ==
Razzakov is [[landlocked]]. The closest [[railway station]] is 45&nbsp;km away in [[Proletarsk, Tajikistan]]. The distance between Razzakov and [[Batken]], the capital of [[Batken Region]], is 150&nbsp;km. Razzakov is 16&nbsp;km from the coal mining town of [[Sülüktü]].

=== Land ===
[[Public transportation]] is very poor in Razzakov. Public vans (known in Russian as [[marshrutka]]s) run through the town. Private taxi cabs can be found along the main roads. Razzakov has only one bus station. Buses, minibuses, and taxi cabs run to many parts of Kyrgyzstan from the station.

A very small portion of the roads in Razzakov are covered with [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]. The roads are not well maintained and require major rehabilitation. Razzakov is connected with other settlements in Kyrgyzstan through highways. The road that connects Razzakov with Batken and [[Osh]] was not maintained after Kyrgyzstan became independent in the early 1990s. The country has received funding from the [[World Bank]], the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]], and the [[Asian Development Bank]] to rehabilitate the road that connects Razzakov with Batken and Osh.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sytenkova|first=Darya|title=Since becoming independent Kyrgyzstan has received over $1 billion worth of credit to rehabilitate its roads|url=http://www.24kg.org/community/160746-za-gody-nezavisimosti-kyrgyzstan-poluchil-bolee-1.html|access-date=20 September 2013|newspaper=24|date=16 September 2013|language=ru|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054903/http://www.24kg.org/community/160746-za-gody-nezavisimosti-kyrgyzstan-poluchil-bolee-1.html|archive-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> The distance from Razzakov to the capital [[Bishkek]] is 960&nbsp;km and driving non-stop from Razzakov to the capital takes about 20 hours.

=== Air ===
[[File:Saab 340 at Isfana Airport.jpg|thumb|A [[Saab 340A]] operated by [[Sky Bishkek]] at [[Isfana Airport]]]]
Razzakov is served by [[Isfana Airport]] built during the [[Soviet period]]. Currently it only offers flights to Bishkek. Isfana Airport started its operations in the 1940s as a landing strip near the town. After Kalacha Airport serving Sülüktü was closed, Isfana Airport started serving the residents of Sülüktü as well. The current runway and terminal of Isfana Airport were built in 1974. In the late 1980s, Isfana Airport stopped its operation because of technical problems. It remained closed for twenty years. In 2007, after the terminal and the track were repaired, the airport was reopened.<ref>{{cite news|title=Isfana Airport reopened after a twenty-year break in Kyrgyzstan|url=http://www.centrasia.ru/newsA.php?st=1187850720|access-date=20 April 2013|newspaper=Centrasia|date=23 August 2007|language=ru|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116214101/http://www.centrasia.ru/newsA.php?st=1187850720|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was temporarily closed in early 2014, but was re-opened later that year.

Isfana Airport is a regional class 3C airport. The runway has a weight limit of 22 tons and has no instrument landing facilities and operates only during daylight hours. Although Isfana Airport is near the border with [[Tajikistan]], it has no customs and border control checks and serves flights only within Kyrgyzstan.

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
* {{cite book
 | title = The History of Isfana (Aspanakent)
 | last = Yoqubov | first = Temirboy
 | editor = Nurullo Nishonov
 | year = 2001
 | location = Isfana
 | language = uz
}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Isfana}}
{{Portal|Asia}}
* [https://isfana.kg/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027092945/http://www.isfana.kg/ |date=2020-10-27 }} {{in lang|ky}}
* [http://binged.it/1dgmUZt A map of Isfana], ''MSN''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080502192355/http://www.citykr.kg/isfana.php Profile of Isfana], ''The Association of Municipalities of the Kyrgyz Republic'' {{in lang|ru}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190104134329/http://www.spiritofsalam.com/isfana.html Isfana: Encouragement towards a better future], ''Spirit of Salam''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160609171002/http://www.spr.kg/isfana-i-lyaylyakskiy-rayon/ Isfana and Leylek District], ''SPR'' {{in lang|ru}}

'''Gallery'''

<gallery widths="145px" heights="120px">
File:Fields of Isfana.JPG|Grain fields in the eastern part of Isfana
File:Isfana at Dawn.JPG|Eastern part of Isfana at dawn
File:Winter in Isfana.JPG|Winter in Isfana
File:Парк имени С. Садыкова.jpg|[[Samat Sadykov Park]]
</gallery>

{{Leylek places}}

[[Category:Populated places in Batken Region]]
[[Category:Razzakov]]