Tajikistan
Tajikistan
About Tajikistan
Tajikistan is situated in the eastern part of Central Asia. The tourists admire amazing mountainous nature, incredible culture, and old traditions, which remained from the times of Avesta, Zaratustrians, and fire-worshippers. East Tajikistan is well-known as a country of ancient Arians, areas with edgy slopes of snowcapped mountain ranges and lakes with crystal pure water. In the villages of this mountainous country present generations preserved the European features, old religions, and customs from the times of Alexander the Great.
There are many places in the mountainous areas of Tajikistan, such as Pamirs and Zarafshan that were not affected by modern civilization and where nobody lives. High mountains that stay as walls of the fortresses, places where the sun doesn’t shine, magic natural caves, mountainous fast rivers, flat places on the top of the high mountains that according to Marco Polo “where the sunshine here has blue color” are very attractive for tourists.
Staying here one can feel himself alone with Mother Nature very calm and quiet, far from the troubles of modern life. You can feel that time passes another way in the mountains of Tajikistan.
There are many cities, archaeological sites, rich ancient items museums, old fortresses, springs, and lakes with interesting stories in Tajikistan. You will feel so excited and enriched with the beauties of this country that it will be enough for many years of your life.
In Tajikistan, the locals cook dishes that you cannot find in other countries. If you did not try the dishes yourself, you cannot describe their taste. The fruits and vegetables of Tajikistan have distinctive tastes and are very useful for health. Especially dry fruits of this country will be very interesting souvenirs for your darlings.
But more than everything that was said above, much more interesting, better, and kinder are the hospitable people of Tajikistan. You will keep warm memories of the talks, kindness, and good relations of these people for many years. Items, instruments, and handmade goods of Tajiks that remained from the old times will be the best souvenirs for your family members.
“Salom Tajikistan!” is the key to the doors of the homes of all the people of this country and “Alekum bar salom” is waiting for the guests and tourists. Welcome to Sunny Tajikistan!
Capital
Dushanbe is the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is the country's main scientific, cultural, political, economic, and administrative center. Dushanbe is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.
Big cities
Dushanbe, Khujand, Bokhtar, Kulob, Khorog
Administrative divisions
Tajikistan consists of four administrative divisions: Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO), Sughd and Khatlon provinces, and the Region of Republican Subordination.
Location
Tajikistan is located in the Central Asian region. Tajikistan is bordered by Afghanistan to the south (1356km), Uzbekistan to the west and north (910 km), Kirgizstan to the north (630km), and China to the east (519 km).
Territory
Tajikistan is a mountainous country with absolute altitudes from 300 meters to 7495 meters above sea level. 93 percent of the territory of Tajikistan is occupied by mountains that relate to the highest mountain ranges in the world. Fergana Valley is located in the north of Tajikistan. The Turkestan, Zerafshan, Gissar, and Alay mountain ranges are located in the northwestern and central parts. Pamir mountain ranges (with Ismaili Somoni peak (7495 meters) – one of the highest peaks on the Earth) are located in the eastern and southern parts.
Climate
In January from +22 C ° to – 61 C ° (Lake Bulunkul). In July from -8 C ° (Lake Bulunkul) to +45 C °
Language
Tajik (State Language), Russian (inter-ethnic language)
Currency
Somoni (TJS), from October 2000 (1 USD = 10.24 Somoni (March 2020)
Time zone
UTC +5
Calling code
+992
Internet TLD
.tj
Natural Resources
Aluminum, coal, oil, iron, zinc, antimony, mercury, gold, tin, tungsten, boron, powdered salt, carbonates, fluorite, and precious and semi-precious stones.
Main fields of industry
Mining, metallurgy, hydro energy, textile
Main agricultural products
Cotton, fruits, vegetables, silk, wheat, tobacco.
National Holidays
New Year - 1 January
Army National Day - 23 February
Mother's Day - 8 March
Nawrooz - 21 to 22 March
Victory Day - 9 May
National Reconciliation Day - 27 June
Knowledge Day - 1 September
State Independence Day - 9 September
Constitution Day - 6 November
Ramathan and Kurban Holidays
Lakes (area, square km)
Karakul - 380
Sarez - 79.64
Zorkul - 38.9
Yashilkul - 38
Shorkul - 16.3
About Pamir
Pamir is a mountainous part of Tajikistan and it is an administrative autonomy due to the ethnographic and cultural characteristics of the local people. Edgy slopes of snowcapped mountain ranges during ages blocked the invasion of foreigners and did not let the mixing of the Pamir’s local people. That’s why Pamir has unique culture and language, music, customs and traditions, a distinctive way of life, the old style of architecture, dressing, farming instruments, and handmade items from ancient times. Here Zoroastrianism, fire-worshiping, Islam, and Soviet Union times were mixed together and created a special ethnocultural value.
Interesting natural and cultural characteristics and historical significance attract a lot of tourists to the world’s highest mountains – the Pamir Mountains.
The tourist area of Pamir consists of all the territory of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region of the Republic of Tajikistan. While traveling in this area it is also possible to see a large part of the Pamir region of Afghanistan.
Gorno Badakhshan Region to the south borders with Afghanistan, to the east and north borders with Kirgizstan, and to the west borders with Khatlon Region of Tajikistan. Mountainous fast rivers, high peaks, mountain ranges, and the unique nature of Pamir are very remarkable.
All the highest peaks of Central Asia are located in the Pamir. Ismaili Somoni Peak (7495 meters above sea level) is the highest peak among them. This area is a very appropriate place for the alpinists. Also, springs with hot water and minerals such as Jelondeh, Garmchashma, Avj, Bibi Fotimai Zahro, and Pitup are the best places for pleasure and rest.
Lovers of languages can find a lot of precious materials in Pamir. The local community speaks Tajik, Russian, and English Languages. Also, there are eight local Pamir languages existing here.
It is worth seeing the single most populated city of Pamir – Khorog the administrative center of Gorno Badakhshan. Here tourists can visit the old fortresses, which remained from the old pre-Islamic times. Cultural and natural attractions such as the Khorog Historical Museum, spring Nosiri Khusrav, House of Sufi Muborakkadam in Vakhan, Botanical Garden of Khorog, Chorbogh, and the building of Ismailia Centre in Khorog, Agha Khan the University of Central Asia are among the most interesting places to visit. In Murghab Region, tourists can get acquainted with the life of the Kirgiz minority. Visitors can see yak and Marco Polo sheep and also can purchase handmade souvenirs from the locals.
