KHUJAND, July 9, Asia-Plus -- Friday afternoon, President Rahmon visited the village of Rugund in Istaravshan district, Sughd province.

The village reportedly has a 1,500-year history.  “Rugund” is a Sogdian word meaning “fortress or shelter.”  In the Middle Ages, Rugund was one of fortresses of Istaravshan.

At 127 hectares in size, Rugund now has the population of 6,612.  It includes a number of historical sites such as Sabriston, Khojai Musafed, Shaikh Shibli and others.