Gardens of Dushanbe

The closeness to nature that is experienced throughout Tajikistan is also reflected in the multitude of gardens that the capital, Dushanbe, contains. Many of them originate from the Soviet era, but the Tajik government has also clearly placed a lot of effort in constructing new ones, especially those surrounding the Nowruz Palace. Overall, the city’s gardens provide many opportunities and experiences for those living in or visiting Dushanbe, including us language students. I was lucky to live with my host family right next to the Botanical Garden and had the chance to visit it several times, which proved to be a great activity as a part of my summer experience.

Being in Dushanbe over the summer can be an excruciating experience, as temperatures on most days reach above 100 °F (38 °C). The city’s hot and dry air can be difficult to get used to especially for those of us coming from colder climates, or those expecting humid summers such as on the U.S. East Coast. Moreover, Dushanbe’s pollution can get quite severe on hot summer days, which causes symptoms for many. For all of these reasons, a visit to one of the city’s many gardens offers much-needed oasis at any time of the day. As far as I have noted, most of them are open from early morning until sundown if they are gated, or are alternatively open at all times. This fits various preferences for the best time to visit, including as seasons change. Almost all of the gardens in the city are free, only a few them ask for a small entrance fee (for the Botanical Garden, it is 5 somoni or 50 U.S. cents).

Many people in Dushanbe like to visit parks in the cool mornings especially in the weekends for a walk or even a workout, as some of the parks contain an area for exercising. For example, the Botanical Garden has various outdoors activity equipment that can be freely used by visitors. The parks are excellently maintained, particularly in the very center of the city, and swept clean of leaves every morning by city-employed women. The government’s efforts and investment is also clear from the beautiful picnic and other rest areas built in the parks, embracing the region’s historical architecture.

For language students, the parks also offer a good place to meet with language partners for a walk and talk, which many of my classmates have done. Visiting a park can also be a good way to spend time with host families, and many families in Dushanbe have a habit of visiting their favorite during the weekends. Visiting with a local is especially interesting, when they know more about the park’s history and draw comparisons from the past to its current state – for example, how the park has changed since the Soviet era and what it says about Dushanbe’s growth, development, and future.

By: Henrietta Toivanen

Program: Eurasian Regional Language Program, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Term: Summer 2019