The capital of Tajikistan (Dushanbe) is a beautiful city in which there are many places and objects interesting for tourists. You can learn more about them from this article.
History of the city
In the mountains at an altitude of about 800 m in the Gissar Valley there were three villages: Sari Osiyo, Shohmansur and Dushanbe. In the latter there were about five hundred yards, and a large bazaar was noisy on Mondays. So the name “Monday”, or in Tajik “Dushanbe”, was assigned to the village. On the map, the town appeared in 1875. Then it was a fortress in which about ten thousand people lived. But there were already artisan blocks, caravanserais, mosques and even madrassas in it.
Current state
Today, the capital of Tajikistan is a large, beautiful, spacious, sunny city, which stands near the majestic mountains of the Hissar Range. Sights of Dushanbe are concentrated mainly in the center, which is very convenient for tourists. From the airport through the whole city runs Rudaki Avenue. It is there that all the sights of Dushanbe are located.
In this large political, economic and cultural center of the country are the Government and the Cabinet of Ministers, UN agencies, IMF, OSCE and diplomatic missions of foreign states.
Gardens and parks
Dushanbe is a green oasis, which spreads over an area of more than 100 square meters. km It is replete with beautiful squares and parks, which number more than a dozen. Natural and cultural attractions of Dushanbe include the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, which is located in the Ismail Somoni area. It was created in 1933, and over 80 years the trees and shrubs planted by the first employees have grown splendidly. Exhibits from this garden were gathered from all over the world, many of them are now listed in the Red Book. Later, in the 50s, greenhouses were built.
And in 2007, an ethnographic corner appeared in the garden. In it, under the open sky, traditional Tajik houses were recreated, which have long been built in different parts of the country. In addition, old baths, mills, and dairies were delivered.
In 2010, aivan arbors were installed here, which are made in the national style, and next to them are animal sculptures and benches.
One of the garden sites has become a “city of crafts” where you can try national cuisine. There is also a corner of peacocks. These are all the specific sights of Dushanbe, where you just need to go.
Hot city
Summer begins here in May and ends in October, so anyone who is bored with water can go to the Dolphin water park, which is in the open. It has five pools, two of which are children's. There are also five slides for adults and mini-slides for children. The water park should not be missed while exploring the sights of Dushanbe.
Zoo
It opened back in 1961. It includes expositions of rare animals, ponds with birds and a park area.
Now the zoo maintains ties with zoos in many countries of the world and restores animal populations that died during the civil war in the 90s.
Theaters and museums
All these sights of Dushanbe should be listed. So there are a lot of them in the capital. But nevertheless, we will single out the national museum of Tajikistan (the museum of local history), which has a rich collection of antiquities (stone tools of ancient people who inhabited these territories), medieval household items, coins, and jewelry. Those who visit this institution will learn more about the history of the people living in Tajikistan. This is one of the best museums in Asia. The Museum of Ethnography is also interesting, which stores art samples of this amazing state: pottery, carpets, jewelry, musical instruments. In the Museum of Fine Arts, you can see the work of the best artists and sculptors of the country.
In addition, you can go to the performance of the Puppet Theater "Luhtak" or the Opera and Ballet Theater. S. Aini. This building was built in a monumental classic style. Performances are in both Tajik and Russian.
Ballets do not require translation at all. Choreographers have already staged Giselle and Don Quixote. Performers are the best graduates of the Perm School.
Markets and Bazaars
To be in Central Asia and not visit the bazaar? Yes, this is impossible to imagine! Of course, there are many of them, but the most colorful, fun and noisy today is considered to be "Shohmansur", or "Green Bazaar". Here you can buy absolutely everything: fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, spices, tortillas, oriental sweets, skullcaps, silk dressing gowns with national embroidery, fabric rolls with national patterns.
You can bargain, and some sellers themselves will give a discount. And almost all merchants come in national costumes. Exotic impressions are enough for a long time. We warn you that all calculations are carried out only in national currency - somoni.
Along the main street
The entire city from the airport crosses the highway - Rudaki Avenue. On it you can walk or drive and see the squares, monuments, the best buildings of Dushanbe - attractions. What to do, where to go? A good idea is an unhurried walk along the avenue and photographing.
The tourist will see the majestic memorial of Ismail Somoni, square to them. Sadriddin Aini and them. Dusti, Putovsky Square (it houses the Presidential Palace, which is decorated with fountains and flower beds).
Rest and the best entertainments in Dushanbe
Well, if the soul asks for modern entertainment, then you can go to the bowling alley, which is cozy and has a cafe. Or the Tamasho cinema, where new films are always shown. Both the sound and image quality in it are very good. Those who want to stretch themselves intensively will go to the new 55 Spirits sports gym. It is perfectly complemented by a sauna and shower. And next to the puppet theater is a children's park. It is pleasant to wander among cleanliness and cozy well-groomed greenery. And you can look into the catering establishments and try the national cuisine. She is very original. For example, sweets are served before meals. It turns out that in Tajikistan it is customary to eat dessert both before and during meals. The most popular place is the Rohat teahouse. In addition, you can go out of town and look at the waterfalls in the Varzob gorge or relax in the ski resort.
Interesting facts about Dushanbe
Only the city of Dushanbe in Tajikistan is divided into districts. There are four of them.
In 1966, a statue of Buddha was found in the TSSR, which is now in the national museum.
The collection of the botanical garden has more than four and a half thousand specimens of flora. They are collected from all over the world.
Dushanbe has seventeen twin cities.
The architecture of the capital is quite simple. It is dominated by low buildings, which were built in the 30-40s of the XX century.
In the vicinity of Dushanbe there is an ancient Gissar fortress. From it there was only a fragment in the style of Bukhara buildings of the XVIII – XIX centuries. Two beautiful legends are connected with her. Nearby grow two plane trees, which are at least four hundred years old. And although the fortress is located 25 km from the capital, it is worth visiting on a hot day. These are the authentic ancient sights of the city of Dushanbe.
How to get to Dushanbe
If you save time, then it is better to catch a plane in Moscow, after 4 hours and 20 minutes you will be in the capital of Tajikistan. From St. Petersburg the path is a little longer - 5 hours. You can travel by train and slowly enjoy the country for more than four days.