Geographical and ethimological analysis of toponyms expressing the natural conditions of Southern Uzbekistan (on the example of toponyms of the Surkhandarya region)

Abstract

This article examines the toponyms of the Surkhandarya region, located in the southern part of Uzbekistan, with particular attention to geographical names that reflect the natural conditions of the territory. The study focuses on the relationship between place names and the physical-geographical features of the region, including relief, hydrography, soil cover, vegetation, geological structure, and landscape differentiation. On the basis of cartographic, etymological, and geographical analysis, a thematic map of toponyms indicating natural conditions was developed. The meanings and origins of selected geographical names were interpreted from a geographical perspective, allowing the identification of how local place names preserve information about the natural environment and historical perception of landscapes.

Using the Surkhandarya basin as a case study, the article reveals a spatial pattern in the distribution of natural-condition-related toponyms. In particular, it was found that such geographical names tend to increase from the oasis areas along the river valley toward the mountainous watershed zones. This tendency reflects the growing diversity of relief forms, hydrological features, and landscape components in the upper parts of the basin. The results demonstrate that toponyms can serve not only as linguistic and cultural heritage, but also as valuable indicators for reconstructing regional natural conditions, understanding landscape identity, and supporting geographical, cartographic, and toponymic studies.