04/05/2026
Khalid Malikzada
The Amu Darya is one of the longest and most important rivers in Central Asia, flowing about 2,400 kilometers from the Pamir Mountains through countries like Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan before reaching what remains of the Aral Sea. Historically known as the Oxus River, it has played a vital role in agriculture, trade, and the development of ancient civilizations along its banks. Today, the Amu Darya continues to be a crucial source of water for irrigation, especially in arid regions, although heavy use and diversion have significantly reduced its flow, contributing to environmental challenges such as the shrinking of the Aral Sea.
