Sokh (river)

The Sokh is a river in Central Asia, flowing through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It is a right tributary of the Syr Darya river. The Sokh originates in the Alay Mountains of Kyrgyzstan and flows west into the Fergana Valley, crossing into Uzbekistan.

The river is a significant source of irrigation water for agriculture in the densely populated Fergana Valley. The water is heavily utilized, often leading to conflicts between the upstream Kyrgyz and downstream Uzbek populations regarding water allocation.

The Sokh is known for its variable flow, with peak flows occurring during the snowmelt season in spring and early summer. The river's water quality can be affected by agricultural runoff and industrial discharges.

The Sokh exclave, a territory of Uzbekistan located entirely within Kyrgyzstan, derives its name from the Sokh river, which flows through the exclave. The river is thus a crucial geographical feature of this region, impacting both its socio-economic and political dynamics.