About Tajikistan
The lands now known as Tajikistan were ruled by numerous empires throughout history, including the Persians and Alexander the Great. It later was ruled by the Achaemenids, the Sasanians and the Hephthalites, as well as the Samanids. Subsequently, Tajikistan came under the rule of the Mongol Empire, then the Timurid Empire. The country was part of the emirate of Bukhara until coming under Russian domination in the mid-19th century and then the Soviet Union in 1922. In 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan declared its independence.
Where is Tajikistan?
Tajikistan is a landlocked state in Central Asia. It is bordered by Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the People’s Republic of China.
The capital and the other cities of Tajikistan
We continue to discovering Tajikistan’s capitals and other cities, an extraordinary country in Central Asia. Stay with us to explore Tajikistan’s capital and some of its other cities!
The capital of Tajikistan: Dushanbe
Tajikistan’s capital and largest city is Dushanbe. Set in the Gissar Valley, the city is built at the confluence of the Dushanbinka (Varzob) and Kofarnihon (Kafirnigan) rivers. Dushanbe attracts attention with its Soviet-era architecture and tree-lined squares. As the city is in an earthquake zone, few of its buildings are more than one story.
The highlights of Dushanbe include the National Museum of Tajikistan and the National Library of Tajikistan, as well as the Statue of Ismoil Somoni, the Haji Yaqub Mosque and the Dushanbe Synagogue. In addition, the Tajikistan Gallery of Modern Art and the Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre are worth visiting, as are Victory Park, the Dushanbe Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Flagpole with the Flag of Tajikistan, is adjacent to Rudaki Park.
A city to discover: Khujand
Khujand, Tajikistan’s second-largest city, is at the entrance of the Fergana Valley. A former stop on the ancient Silk Road, this historical city is in a region known for its rich underground resources.
The highlights of Khujand include the Historical Local Lore Museum of Archeology and Fortification, Park Kamal Khudzhandi, Arbob Cultural Palace and Somoni Park.
With its original culture: Kulob
Tajikistan’s third-largest city is Kulob. Less than 200 kilometers from the Afghan border, Kulob has a unique culture shaped by its mountainous geography. The area’s highlights include the Mausoleum of Mir Said Ali Khamadoni and the Sari Khosor Valley.
Natural beauty: Khorog
Another notable city in Tajikistan is Khorog. The capital of the Shughnon District of Gorno-Badakhshan, Khorog is high above sea level, surrounded by the Pamir Mountains. The area is renowned not only for its majestic mountain views, but for its village markets, tranquil lake and outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking.
Dining in Tajikistan
In general, the Tajik culinary tradition is typical of Central Asian cuisine, with rice, meat and dairy products figuring prominently; as well, it bears numerous similarities to the Afghan, Russian, Turkish, Iranian and Uzbek cuisines. The country’s most famous dishes include some of those listed below.
- Oshi Palav (inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this traditional and celebratory dish consists of slow-cooked rice, vegetables and meat, as well as spices)
- Laghman (A hearty stew with meat, vegetables and thick-cut noodles)
- Halva (sweet tahini confectionery)
- Hissar Salad (Tajik-style salad)
- Kefir (a creamy fermented milk drink)
Useful information on Tajikistan
If your appetite for Tajik food – and discovering Tajikistan – has been whetted by our brief guide to Tajikistan, you can easily purchase a plane ticket to Tajikistan. And in the meantime, here’s some useful information.
- The capital of Tajikistan: Dushanbe
- The official language of Tajikistan: Tajik. Although Russian is not an official language, it is spoken by many people.
- The currency of Tajikistan: Tajikistani Somoni (TJS)
- The largest airport in Tajikistan is Dushanbe International Airport.
- Tajikistan has a continental climate.
- The ideal times to visit the country are autumn and spring.
Getting to Tajikistan
There is transportation to Tajikistan by air and land. Of course, the most comfortable option is to travel by air. Turkish Airlines operates flights to Dushanbe International Airport, so you can first explore the capital and then travel to other cities!
We wish you a pleasant trip!
