This photo is from outside of Hisor fortress, just west of Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe. It is a reconstruction of a 2500-year-old fort that helped secure the local drylands and mountains from invaders. Today, there is a complex within the fortress’ walls that contains shops, walking paths, and even a pasture for horse riding!
I took this photo within Hisor Fortress, looking out over the old madrese (school) and the new park established below the fortress gates. Local children play outside the fortress, and locals sell food and drinks to tourists on their way up the hill. The surrounding park has multiple plaques detailing the history of the fortress and its recent restoration.
This photo is from right before I ate my breakfast with my host cat, Max. He was extremely interested in my bread. He was a delight to have at the table!
This photo is from Meghron Bazaar, one of the main trading centers in Dushanbe. On the main floor, traders and customers haggle for spices, fruits, vegetables, and other household necessities. The upper floors have more luxury shops, such as clothing and electronics stores. If you want to buy any kind of Tajik food or ingredient, chances are you can find it in Meghron!
I took this photo inside Rudaki Park, one of the main green spaces within central Dushanbe. The statue is modeled after Rudaki, a courtier under the Samanid state and the first poet to write in the New Persian language. He lived during the the 9th and 10th centuries of the Common Era, and is now one of the primary national heroes of Tajikistan. My classmate, Ryan, is the one posing next to the statue of Rudaki.
Dan E. Davidson Fellowship Recipient
Eurasian Regional Language Program (ERLP)
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Summer 2024