BOKHARA

(1) Khanate, Central Asia, with Afghanistan on S., elsewhere surrounded by provinces of Ru ia (39° 45’ N., 65° H.); conquered by Ru ia (1868). Rivers are Oxus, Zarafshan, Surkhab; soil barren, except where irrigated from rivers. W. is hot and dry, with flat surface, fertile through irrigation; produces pasture for stock-rearing, cottons, vines; middle is plateau, producing pistachios, fruits; EH. is mountainous, valleys producing cereals, mulberries; sheep, goats, camels, horses, a es raised; silkworms reared. Minerals include salt, sulphur, alum, sal ammoniac; rice, cotton, wheat, barley, tobacco, fruits, etc., produced. Mixed pop., of whom Uzbegs are most numerous; po. c. 1,250,000. (2) Cap. of above; as 360 mosques, Mir-Arab being most remarkable; a center of religion and learning; and chief commercial town of Central Asia; textiles. See Map Asta.