Kosimov Kh. doctoral student Department of Economic and Social Geography National University of Uzbekistan
PROBLEMS OF IMPROVING THE FUNCTIONS OF CITIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF ANDIJAN REGION CITIES)
Abstract. This article analyzes the specialization and functions of cities on the example of Andijan region. Proposals are made to realize the possibilities of development of cities by improving their functions.
Key words: agglomeration, city, hierarchy of cities, city functions, center.
Cities are shaped by a multitude of factors, each specializing in distinct tasks to fulfill their operational roles. The historical formation of urban settlements was significantly influenced by the social division of labor, while the functional characteristics were a product of territorial divisions of labor.
The rapid expansion of cities, characterized by a swift increase in population and the amalgamation of territories, results in the formation of territorial systems known as agglomerations. In the specific case of the Andijan region, an agglomeration is taking form, distinguished by its monocentric nature. Despite the region's small size, this agglomeration spans nearly all its parts, presenting a well-defined monocentric structure.
The Andijan region, constituting a mere 0.9% of the total area of the republic, is home to about 10% of the country's demographic potential and 7.5% of its urban settlements. Remarkably, the population density in this region is eight times higher than the national average.
Nestled in the Fergana Valley, the Andijan region boasts a well-established hierarchy of cities, with 11 cities situated in Andijan, making it the region with the highest concentration. In contrast, the least number of towns (79) are found in the region. The neighboring Namangan region has the fewest cities (8), accompanied by 120 towns. The Fergana region, encompassing 9 cities and 196 towns, surpasses not only the Andijan region but also the entire republic in terms of town count.
Breaking down the distribution of cities in the Andijan region, the Andijan district houses the largest number of new towns (17), followed by Oltinkol (11) and Marhamat (9). Each of the Jalalquduq and Khojaabad districts has 6 towns, while Ulughnor and Kurgantepa have 3 each. As of January 1, 2022, the total population of all cities and towns in the Andijan region is 1,551,700.
Cities in the region are typified by their sizes and functions. The regional center, Andijan, is classified as large, while Shahrikhan and Asaka fall into the medium-sized category. Interestingly, there is no large city in the hierarchy of regional cities. Asaka and Shahrikhan, with populations ranging from 20,000 to
50,000, are on the verge of reaching "hundred thousand" city status, potentially joining the group of big cities shortly. Seven semi-medium cities, including Karasuv, Korgontepa, Okhunbobayov, Khanabad, Khojaabad, Pakhtaabad, and Poitug, constitute two-thirds of the system. Marhamat belongs to the group of small cities.
The role of cities in the geographical division of labor within the republic and the region is pivotal. The functions they perform play a crucial role in determining their contribution to the country's development. With many cities and diverse districts, they are typically categorized into different types. However, a comprehensive typology showcasing the current state and development of cities is yet to be established.
The diversity of cities is intricately linked to the tasks they undertake, determining both their size and significance. This dynamic interaction constitutes a fundamental law in the geography of cities, where the function and economic direction of a city often outweigh its size in determining its level of significance.
Cities are broadly classified into monofunctional and polyfunctional categories. As the functions of cities increase, they tend to expand and become multifunctional. Larger cities are particularly known for having a multitude of functions. In categorizing cities based on their functions, the industries operating within a city play a central role.
The functions of cities are usually determined by the geographical location of the place and its level of utilization. The functions also play a pivotal role in the development of cities. The elevation of functions is often tied to the status of the city; higher status allows for the development of additional functions. This transformation of mono-functional cities into multi-functional ones is particularly influential in shaping the urban development of regions like Fergana.
Diverse functional types contribute to the well-rounded development of a country or region. In the Andijan region, various types of regional cities have emerged, each specializing in specific functions:
•Multifunctional cities (e.g., provincial center Andijan) •Large multi-sector cities (e.g., Asaka, Khanabad, Shahrikhan) •One-industry centers - cities specializing in one or two industries (e.g., Kurgantepa, Pakhtaabad, Karasuv, Khojaabad)
•District centers and agro-industrial cities and towns (e.g., Jalalkuduq, Poytug', Marhamat, Buloqboshi, Bo'ston, Kuyganor, Oltinkol, Baliqchi) • "Resource" towns (e.g., Janubiy Olamushik, Polvontosh, Andijan) The cities in the Andijan region showcase a diverse range of functions, reflecting variations in their origins and formation periods. The functional development prospects of these cities highlight their unique roles:
Andijan: As the only multifunctional city in the region, Andijan serves as the center, a major industrial hub, a transport nexus, and a scientific and cultural center. The city hosts heavy and light industrial enterprises, scientific institutions,
universities, theaters, cinemas, recreation parks, and historical and cultural recreation facilities.
Asaka: Also considered a multifunctional city, Asaka accommodates large industrial and food enterprises. It serves as the district center and presents opportunities for the development of transport logistics, scientific, and cultural institutions.
Khanabad: While not an administrative center, Khanabad features industrial enterprises of one sector and serves as a recreation center. The development of the railway in Khanabad holds the potential to transform it into a transport center with multi-sectoral industrial enterprises.
Other Cities in the Province: Cities like Shahrikhan, Marhamat, Poitug, Pakhtaabad, Khojaabad, Kurgantepa, and Okhunboboyev function similarly as district centers and industrial centers of one sector. The possibilities for developing the functions of these cities are somewhat limited.
Karasuv: Among the cities in the region, Karasuv performs the fewest functions, serving as an industrial center for only one sector. The completion of the "China-Uzbekistan" railway could elevate its status to a crucial transport and logistics center.
Several towns in the province fulfill multiple functions. For instance, Kuyganyor, Boston, Oltinkol, Balikchi, Buloqboshi, and Aqoltin serve as district centers, with Kuyganyor also serving as an industry center. Meanwhile, towns like Polvontosh, Southern Olamushik, and Andijan were formed based on the production of a single industrial product, while others have agro-industrial functions.
Despite the dynamic nature of urban development, the functions of regional cities in the Andijan region have remained relatively stable in recent years. Recognizing that increasing city functions leads to their development, efforts should be directed toward improving urban functions in regional cities and towns, as outlined in Table 1.
Table 1
Modern functions of the cities of Andijan region
№ Cities Functions of cities
Administrative center (district or regional center) Industrial center (by number of industries) Transport centers (road, rail and air transport) Agroindustry centres Science center (higher education and IT) Center of Social Sectors (Hospital and Vocational Colleges) Service center (by industry) Recreation centres
1 Andijon* + + + + + + + +
2 Asaka + + + + + +
3 Qorasuv + + + + +
4 Qo'rg'ontepa + + + + + +
5 Marhamat + + + + + + +
6 Oxunboboyev + + + + +
7 Paxtaobod + + + + + +
8 Poytug' + + + + + +
9 Xonobod* + + + + + + +
10 Xo'jaobod + + + + + +
11 Shahrixon + + + + + +
12 Kuyganyor + + + + + + +
13 Bo'ston + + + + +
14 Baliqchi + + + + +
15 Buloqboshi + + + + +
16 Oltinko'l + + + + +
Note: *Cities under the province; + existence of this area, Kuyganyar-
towns
According to the types of new functions offered, social facilities (multidisciplinary and specialized hospitals, vocational centres, educational institutions, etc.) and services (public service agencies and household services) are almost all available in district centres. In the following years, the development of tourism in the region was observed as a recreational centre in some cities. Also, works are being carried out based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 10, 2019, No. PF 5623 "On measures to radically improve the urbanization process" on the development of cities. [1]
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