ANCIENT DAVAN: THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CENTER OF THE FERGANA VALLEY

Abstract

This article explores the ancient Davan state, which thrived in the Ferghana Valley during the 2nd–1st centuries BCE. Due to its strategic location, Davan played a significant role in the Silk Road trade network, serving as a vital hub for commerce, agriculture, and livestock breeding, especially renowned for its high-quality horses known as "Heavenly Horses." The state's international reputation grew through its cultural exchanges and military interactions with China. The article examines Davan’s political and social structures, economic and cultural development, and its interactions with the Chinese Empire. It also discusses the state’s role in ancient international relations, its influence on cultural exchange, and its importance as a commercial center along the Silk Road. This study offers valuable insights for research in history, archaeology, and economic development.