TASHKEND, a town of Independent Turkestan, in the Khanat, and 90 miles N.W. of Khokan, on the east side of the Jaxartes, in a fertile region occupied to a large extent with gardens. It is surrounded by a wall of brick 12 miles in circuit, and entered by four gates. A great part of the area thus enclosed is occupied by gardens and vineyards; the streets of the town are very narrow; and the houses for the most part meanly built of mud, and thatched with reeds. The chief buildings are the castle, which is defended by walls and ditches, several mosques, colleges, temples, and a large bazaar. Gunpowder, silk, and cotton goods are manufactured here; and an extensive trade is carried on chiefly by means of caravans with the Russian territories: woollen and silken stuffs, indigo, precious metals, hardware, leather, &c., being the chief imports; and nitre and cattle the principal articles exported. Tashkend was captured by the Russians in 1854. Pop. 40,000.