The word Jizzakh means a fortress or small fort in ancient Sogdian. The city was originally established on the staging post of Great Silk Road in the X century. There was one of the busiest bazaars where woollen fabrics and threads, silk, jewellery, metal items and Ustrushan nephritis were traded.
Jizzakh city is surrounded by Nurata mountains on one side, the Hungry Steppe on the other side. The Sangzor River makes the area more unique, creating favourable geographical conditions to be founded ancient settlements here. Along the banks even now the visitors can see the ruins of the old settlements.
It is a fact that Jizzakh, like other historical cities of Uzbekistan, witnessed several invaders, conquerors, rulers: The Mongol invasion almost completely destroyed the town fortress; during Temurids reign it again renewed, became larger than it used to be. However, in the XVI century the city was destroyed again by Shaibanids.
Years ago people used to mine the iron ore in the mountains of Nurata where the remnants of them have preserved up to now. Today Jizzakh is famous for its eco-touristic sightseeings, such as Zamin, Bakhmal, Foridj, Aydarkol, Uhum which can appeal hundreds of visitors with extraordinary scent.