Where is Tajikistan
Tajikistan History
Where is Tajikistan
Tajikistan Map
Time in Tajikistan
Tajikistan Capital
Tajikistan Regions
Tajikistan gained its independence from Russia in 1991 the official name of the country is the Republic of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan’s control by Russia predates the Soviet Union as it was held under the yolk of the Russian empire as far back as 1885 Russia may not have been in direct control however but their vassal state, the Emirate of Bukhara certainly was.
The Russian influence wasn’t felt however until after the Russian revolution of 1917.
After 1917, the guerrilla uprising known as the Basmachi movement caused chaos throughout central Asia as various people tried to prevent the Bolshevik Russians from gaining control of the region.
By 1924 however, the movement had been put down and the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was founded. At first, it remained as part of Uzbekistan. It was then eventually put in full control of its region in 1929.
This was at the loss of the mainly ethnic Tajik cities of Samarkand and Bukhara which remained in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.
From 1929 Tajikistan remained in the grip of the Soviet Union.
It wasn’t until the late 80s that Tajiks began pushing for more control of their country.
Serious protests were held in 1990 however with the collapse of the Soviet Union Tajikistan gained its independence on 9th September 1991.
The transition wasn’t smooth, however, as 1992 saw the advent of civil war. Not only Tajiks pent up frustrations boiled to the surface, but also a fair amount of external medalling.
This was to continue until 1997 when eventually a United Nations-sponsored armistice ended the conflict.
Tajikistan held its elections on 6th November 1999. From here this devastated country has been able to grow and mature.
The name "Tajikistan" means "land of the Tajiks".
This landlocked gem is sandwiched between Afghanistan, China, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
It’s the smallest country in Central Asia, although what it lacks in landmass makes up for in height. 93% of Tajikistan is mountainous with most of the country above 3000 meters.
Flights to Tajikistan can be difficult and will normally involve flying to one of the hubs listed.
Tajikistan is 142,600 square kilometres in size. This makes Tajikistan roughly the same as South Korea.
It is also home to around 9.5 million people, although 1 million of these live abroad bringing in Tajikistan’s largest income.
The time in Tajikistan is GMT+ 5. When travelling through the country there is only a one-time zone.
There is no daylight saving time in Tajikistan.
The Tajik capital is Dushanbe. Dushanbe is located on Varzob River in the Gissar Valley, in the southwest of the country.
It sits an elevation of 706 meters above sea level.
For many visitors to Tajikistan at some point on their journey, they will either arrive in or pass through Dushanbe.
Dushanbe is home to around 700,000 residents, this once small mountain village is named after its once-famous Monday market.
Dushanbe is a city that grew rapidly from 1929 onwards especially as the Russians sought to expand the cotton and silk production in the area.
From the outset, Dushanbe is a beautiful city surrounded by mountain peaks that remain topped in snow for most of the year.
Dushanbe still retains much of its soviet charm. This may be because during its growth, thought and money was put into its design. Perhaps as for a while, it was renamed Stalinabad Russian Architects Peter Vaulin, Peter Kuzmenko and Konstantin Terletsky were used for much of the early building design.
The city is a charm to walk around with its tree-lined streets, parks, and fountains still easily accessible.
There has been a steady growth in the past few years with a recent quickening of pace as more foreign investment arrives.
Dushanbe still offers up a treat in that there are no western fast food joints or convenience style establishments. The food offered is still great however with many central Asian and middle eastern options. If coffee is needed there are enough local options to give refreshments to any city hiker.
When travelling in Tajikistan there is a surprising amount to see for a relatively small country.
It can be a bit difficult when touring around as there isn’t always circular journeys to be had.
The country is split into 4 differing regions. Each giving a unique experience.
Located in the North West of the country this administrative division has a fascinating and vibrant city of Khujand as its capital.
Separated from the rest of the country by the Zerafshan mountain range this region has more ties to areas in Uzbekistan than Dushanbe. To get here from Dushanbe one must traverse the tunnel of death through the mountain range.
Once in Sughd, there is enough to fill two hours here.
This sleepy city, often called the gateway to Samarkand, lies at the end of the Zerafshan valley. It is a great region for hiking the hills and exploring remote villages.
Panjakent may be a one street kind of city but is worthy of at least one night as it has links to ancient Sogdian history.
Check out the archaeological remains of Sarazm, or admire frescoes and Zoroastrian history in the ageing town museum.
South of Dushanbe, this province sees little foreign visitors who want to visit. Many tourists pass through the area on their way to the Pamir’s region.
Khatlon is best visited in the autumn or spring months as during the summer it can be extremely hot and uncomfortable.
It may lack the vast mountain ranges found the other areas of the country but it does have a rolling natural beauty.
Kulob the 3rd largest city in Tajikistan is well worth the visit if only to view its few renaming soviet mosaics. For those with a little more time on their hands, we would advise a stop at the local history museum as well as the Market.
The museum will need a guide as most signs are in Tajik; it has some interesting dioramas and the building its self is extravagant
The local market still has its soviet-style façade but once inside your met with local Tajik, great for those street eats or mixing it up with the locals.
Do take care of photography though, it’s good to ask first as this area sees very few tourists and remain a little camera shy.
The Pamir region is held in the hearts of many travellers and for many more the main draw for a visit to Tajikistan.
The focus is on the M41 (the Pamir highway). The adage “it’s the journey, not the destination” was never more true when taking this adventure.
The Pamir region is home to less than 3% of the country’s population. It’s sparse, barren and can be very inhospitable.
That said, taking the highway through this region is a true adventure in every sense of the word.
Not only is it the world’s second-highest highway, but it also borders Afghanistan and passes some of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world.
If that were not enough sleepy backwater villages and towns are home to some of the friendliest people in central Asia.
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