Basmachi is the name Soviet historiography gave to armed groups operating in Central Asia from the 1910s to the 1930s. They often referred to themselves as "mujahideen" or "warriors of Islam." The movement arose amid the political and social upheaval following the 1917 revolutions and the establishment of Soviet power. For modern tourists, this topic is of interest because many sites associated with these events have been preserved and have become historical monuments.

The Basmachi movement encompassed vast territories – from the Fergana Valley to the Karakum Desert, from the Pamir Mountains to the oases of Khorezm. The causes of its emergence were complex: dissatisfaction with the policies of the new government, interference in traditional ways of life, religious and national motives, and external support. The Basmachi included local peasants and nomads, former soldiers, religious leaders, and members of the nobility. Their tactics were guerrilla-style: swift raids on garrisons, attacks on caravans and railway stations, and the destruction of infrastructure. They skillfully utilized their knowledge of the terrain, hiding in the mountains and deserts, and penetrating into Afghanistan or Persia. Over the years, the size of their units ranged from a few dozen to several thousand.
By the 1920s, the Soviet authorities had succeeded in suppressing the movement's main forces, but individual groups continued to operate until the early 1930s. History remembers the names of such leaders as Ibrahim Bey, Madamin Bey, and Kurshirmat, as well as episodes involving foreign figures such as Enver Pasha. Today, when traveling through Central Asia, one can encounter monuments, museums, and sites commemorating these events. They not only tell the story of the military but also help us understand the cultural context of the region.

In Turkmenistan, in the village of Erbent in the Karakum Desert, there is a monument to a Basmachi fighter. It is visible from the road and is a frequent stop for tourists heading to the Darvaza gas crater. In Uzbekistan, in the Fergana Valley, there are museums displaying documents, weapons, and personal belongings of those who fought in the Basmachi. In Tajikistan, the Hisor Fortress houses exhibits dedicated to the struggle in the region.

Facts
— The movement existed from approximately 1918 to 1931.
— In some battles, thousands of people participated on both sides.
— The Basmachi received weapons and support from abroad, including Afghanistan and Turkey.
— Many battles took place in hard-to-reach areas, which made suppression difficult.

Similar stories
One of the most memorable episodes was the adventure of Enver Pasha, a former Ottoman commander who led a Basmachi unit in 1922 but died in battle. Stories of mountain passes, secret bases in deserts and oases are still passed down orally by locals.

Tourist attractions on the topic
The monument to the fighter against Basmachi in Yerbent is a monument in the desert symbolizing the Soviet era.
The Hissar Fortress in Tajikistan is a historical complex with a museum.