ancient Jaxartes River
River, Central Asia, in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
Formed by the confluence of two headstreams in the fertile Fergana Valley , it flows west-northwest for 1,374 mi (2,212 km) to empty into the Aral Sea . Its lower course is on the eastern edge of the Kyzylkum desert. It is the longest river in Central Asia but carries less water than does the Amu Darya . It is used extensively for hydroelectric power and irrigation.