THE ROLE OF WATER BODIES IN SHAPING THE ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING IMAGE OF THE CITY OF KARSHI

Abstract

The relationship between water and the city represents one of the most crucial aspects of urban planning and environmental design. In the case of Karshi, located in the arid region of southern Uzbekistan, the presence and distribution of water resources have historically determined the city’s architectural and spatial development. Water has not only served as a vital resource for life and agriculture but has also shaped the visual aesthetics, urban composition, and environmental comfort of the city. This study examines the role of natural and artificial water bodies — including the Kashkadarya River, irrigation canals, and reservoirs — in forming the architectural and planning image of Karshi.