Dushanbe, Tajikistan is a dream 5 years in the making. Since beginning my studies of Russian in Moscow, Russia during the Summer of 2019, I have dreamed of coming and experiencing the beautiful country and its culture for myself. This goal was the direct result of the kindness and hospitality I experienced from Tajik migrants I met while living in Moscow.
Since arriving, I have fallen in love with the city and everything it has to offer. It is unlike anywhere I have been before, leaving an impression that will last a lifetime. The streets of Dushanbe are lined with beautiful architecture, gardens, and colorful flower beds, and the city itself is a mix of old and new. Walking through the streets of the city, the various architectural styles serve as reminders of Tajikistan’s past, while new constructions and high rise buildings are a testament to its modernity.
Photo from the top of Independence Monument! From the top, viewers can experience full views of the Dushanbe skyline
View from the top of the Independence Monument! From the top, visitors can see the entire city
Dushanbe is also home to several remarkable buildings and landmarks. This includes the National Library of Tajikistan. A massive nine-story building home to millions of books, the national archive of Tajikistan, and dozens of reading rooms for students and independent learners alike. It is also the biggest library in Central Asia. The library even includes a special room for blind readers that is fit with audio materials and 600 books written in braille. The library regularly holds reading challenges that encourage Tajik youth to read the diverse literature of Tajikistan and the rest of the world. Other buildings include the newly built Tajikistan Parliament Building, which is a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike and the Istiklol (independence) monument. This monument is located in the center of the city in a massive plaza lined with fountains and gardens. Inside, visitors can find a small museum recounting the history of Tajikistan, displays of Tajik national clothing and instruments, an art gallery featuring works from Tajik artists, and much more. At the top, there is a beautiful view of the city skyline.
Exploring Tajikistan’s National Library. This includes a room entirely dedicated to old newspapers and print publications
Another defining factor of the city is its nature. Dushanbe is incredibly green, with parks scattered throughout the city and long tree-lined streets that offer shade to passerbys. The city, and its green spaces are meticulously planned. Several times a year hundreds of workers come out to remove old flowers and plant new ones for the season ahead. These green spaces are complimented by beautiful fountains and walkways. The thoughtful planning of the city makes it incredibly walkable and pleasant despite the heat.
A walk down Rudaki Avenue, the main street of the city
Dushanbe is also a diverse city, both in its cultural influences and bilingual nature. In addition to ethnic Tajiks, the city is home to other Central Asians, South Asians, Iran, and individuals from all over the world. This diversity manifests itself in the food available throughout the city and in events and music. When it comes to language, a majority of people speak both Tajiki and Russian, frequently mixing the languages in speech and seamlessly transitioning between languages.
Tajikistan is a wonderful country characterized by its beauty, diversity, and the wide breadth of opportunities it offers. It has left a positive impression that will only grow with time as I continue to experience the city.