Dushanbe

Dushanbe

Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan. Archaeological finds dating back to the times of Greek-Bactrian period (2nd century BC) and remains of the settlements of the Middle Ages (7-8th centuries AD) were discovered on the same place where Dushanbe is located now. Situated in the centre of the picturesque Hissar Valley, fringed by the mountains bringing coolness to the town, the city was famous for its Monday bazaars, hence the name Dushanbe (Monday from Tajik). Starting from the 17th century village-dwellers from the surrounding areas brought their home-made production to the market at this spot.
At the beginning of the 20th century Dushanbe was a small village with 500 inhabitants. In 1907, it was chosen as a summer resort by the Bek of Hissar. In 1920 the ex-emir of Bukhara Amir Alim Khan found a shelter here and from this city he inspired Basmachi movement until he had to leave the region. After 1921, Dushanbe became the administrative centre of Eastern Bukhara.
The soviet city Dushanbe was set up in 1924 in the result of merging of three villages: Sariosiya, Shohmansur and Dushanbe and in the same year it became the capital of the new Tajik Autonomous SSR.
Between 1929 and 1961, the city of Dushanbe was called Stalinabad.
The city does have two interesting museums: the professional Museum of Ethnography, which showcases Tajik art such as pottery, carpets, jewellery and musical instruments, and the Tajikistan Unified Museum of History, Local Lore and Fine Arts, which has stuffed snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep on display as well as interesting exhibits on history, natural history and art. It’s worth seeing a performance at Ayni Opera & Ballet Theatre since it has the finest interior in the city.
The city also houses the Firdowsi Library, a major library with an impressive collection of medieval Islamic manuscripts.
The main points of interest lie on, or close to, Prospekt Rudaki. As well as the principal mosque, this area boasts of a synagogue that dates back to the late 19th century, a Russian church and a columned opera house.