Geography After a burst of civil war in the 1990’s, Dushanbe has awakened into an (almost) European class city that is a newly shining jewel among Central Asian countries. Located where the Varzob meets the Kofarnihon to the west of the Pamir Mountains and just south of the Ferbana valley, it is both the capital and largest city in Tajikstan with a sizable population of nearly 680,000. Meaning “Monday” in Tajik, the city had its humble beginnings as a market village that emerged as a centre of transport after the arrival of the railroad in 1926 more or less put it onto the map. airBaltic is the first EU airline to provide flights to Dushanbe airport and is pleased to bring your flight there. Languages Tajik is the official language of Dushanbe, but Russian is spoken widely for business purposes and in the government. English is unknown, even in most hotels and restaurants, so be prepared with the basics in either Russian or Tajik to make your city-break a bit more happening. In the market a phrase helpful in bargaining is arzontar meshavad? (can I get this cheaper?) See and Do The main street is Prospekt Rudaki, crisscrossed here and there by smaller streets mostly without any long lasting names, so, don’t worry, the locals are lost right with you. From here the main sights are easily reached, including the golden-crowned Ismail Samani Monument in Maydani Azadi (Freedom Square), the central commercial hub of the covered Bakarat Bazaar, the Bekhzod National Museum with several noteworthy pieces, the Haji Yakoub Mosque and Medressa named in honor of the historical religious leader who fled to Afghanistan, the Orthodox Cathedral and the Museum of National Antiquities, with its enormous sleeping Buddha, discovered in 1966 in what are known as the Witches’ Hills. For a history in stone, be sure to observe the Writer’s Union Building with its sculptures of important Persian writers. For a show in the local flavour, buy tickets to the Aini Opera and Ballet House, whose namesake is considered Tajikstan’s literary founder.
Dushanbe is a young city and perhaps may be forgiven for how quick it is to see and how slightly unexciting it may feel. The mountains will be immediately inviting, so after visiting the city’s offerings, plan a trip outside. The Gissar Fortress is a quick 30 km away and was once the stronghold of the Turko-Mongric rulers. Pay a visit to the world’s highest dam at Nurek Dam on the Vaksh River, and from which Dushanbe generates its electricity. Also of some interest is the Buddhist monastery at Adzhina-Tepe and the health resort of Varzob Gorge (whose radon vapors may not exactly seem healthy). |
