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Tajikistan is located in Central Asia surrounded by Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The country is known for its rugged mountains. Tourists love to hike and climb.

The capital is Dushanbe, the largest city in the country. In the Tajik language Dushanbe means Monday. Perhaps this is the place where everyone can lose their Monday blues. The reason it was so named was that the city grew out of a village which originally had a popular market on Mondays. Visitors will notice that there is a blend of ancient and Soviet-era architecture. After the dangerous Civil War during the 1990s the city has become an oasis of calm.

The National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan opened its doors in 2013. Here visitors can delight in archaeological exhibits, both real and recreated. To get a view of how things looked in the 7^th century take a look at the reconstruction of the Ajina-Tepe Buddhist Monastery site.

There is a 13m long sleeping Buddha which dates from the Kushan era and is the largest known Buddha figure in Central Asia.

Most labels include English translations. There are some impressive pieces of artwork in the art gallery on the top floor.

The Gurminj Museum is hidden within a private family compound. This museum has a collection of antique musical instruments from all across Central Asia. Local musicians like to gather here for jam sessions.

The Dushanbe Flagpole is the world’s second tallest flag mast at 165m and was built to commemorate 20 years of independence. It is the centerpiece of Dushanbe’s growing ensemble of fountain-parks and public buildings among them the new National Library

and the gold-domed Palace of Nations government building.

Take a stroll in the extensive and lovely Botanical Gardens.

The east-central entrance gateway was designed in the ancient Iranian style. There are beautiful flowers, many trees and beautifully carved wooden pavilions.

Ismoil Somoni Statue is the city’s most visible monument. Ismoil Somoni was the 10^th century founder of the Samanid dynasty.

Right behind him rises the Parchan, a tall white marble column topped by a golden emblem reminding one of ancient Roman times.

.You can see Tajikistan’s Persian past in the facade of the Writer’s Union Building. The building resembles a medieval cathedral with sculpted-stone figures of Sadruddin Ayni, Omar Khayam, Firdausi and other writers from the Persian pantheon.

World’s Biggest Teahouse is rising near Komsomol Park. It is better referred to as the Palace of Cultural Entertainment and Special Events. Here you’ll find formal conference rooms, a bowling alley, billiard hall and ballroom.

Rudaki Park is a wonderful scenic park for strolling. This is a lovely landscaped garden right in the heart of Dushanbe. The park is surrounded by impressive landmarks and buildings.

There are fountains, statues and manicured lawns. Many beautiful flowers to enjoy.

Here you’ll find the monument to the 9^th century poet Rudaki upon his pond-fronted garden plinth, beneath an impressive blue mosaic arc of stars.

Steps to Victory Park

Victory Park offers the best views over the city especially at sun set.

See the impressive WW II Monument.

The National Library opened its doors in 2011 and is Central Asia’s biggest.

 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tajikistan/dushanbe/attractions/a/poi-sig/357580

https://www.inspirock.com/tajikistan/dushanbe

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