During ancient and medieval times the Amu Darya River – then known as Oxus - played a key part in the life of the population as the basis of agriculture and the main transport and trade artery in Middle Asia.

Development of many “twin towns” occurred in locations where the river could easily be crossed. Large settlements were usually situated on the left bank of Amudarya, while small advanced posts - on its right bank. These include Amul and Farap (then Bityk), and Zemm and Kerkichi.