TAJIKISTAN - THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN CENTRAL ASIA
TAJIKISTAN - THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN CENTRAL ASIA
The Republic of Tajikistan is a country in the heart of Central Asia. Its capital and most popular city is Dushanbe. Surrounding Tajikistan are countries like China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Although Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia by landmass, with a population of over 10 million people, it is not the smallest by population of the five Central Asian countries.
The vast majority of Tajikistanis are Muslim, and there is a small percentage of Christians who are predominantly Russians.
Tajikistan’s economy depends on agriculture and services, and each employs more than two-fifths of the labour force. Moreover, it is the most mountainous country in Central Asia. Besides its rugged terrain, it is best known for its natural resources and vast freshwater reserves. Tajikistan also produces aluminium and cotton, which are its main export commodities. Additionally, it exports vegetable oil, almonds, dried apricots, grapes, cotton, textiles, etc. Read on for a general view of Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia.
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ARRIVAL IN DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
Upon arrival, it’s a short walk to the Immigration area in a rather small area. The Immigration officer was quite quick. He checked my passport, left the cubicle with it, and then returned, asked me to face the camera for a photo, stamped the passport, smiled, and passed it back to me without uttering a single word. The airport arrival and luggage pick-up areas are quite small and basic. Note to all travellers, there is no Wi-Fi at this airport, nor did I see the option to buy a SIM card. Maybe the store was closed when I arrived, but no one could have given me a definite answer about where to get one at the airport. One kind Tajik gentleman was nice enough to let me use his Wi-Fi hotspot to reach the hotel pick-up service and advised me to buy a sim card in the city center.
Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia Cont......
DEPARTURE FROM DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
On departure from the country, as soon as you arrive at the airport and enter the building’s departure area you must scan all luggage before approaching your airline’s check-in counter. After your airline check-in, you must pass through another scanner and hand luggage check before approaching immigration. After immigration, it is T.S.A. luggage scan/check once again. Here, you do not need to remove shoes or liquids from hand luggage, laptops from their bags/cases, or discard your bottled water. Throughout the process, the Immigration and T.S.A. Officers were quite pleasant, and some were even chatty. Afterward, it’s a short walk past a small, area and a couple of lackluster duty-free shops, and then you are at your airline’s boarding gate.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO/FROM THE CITY OF DUSHANBE
From/to the Dushanbe International Airport to downtown the city is approximately 8 – 10 minutes. The airport is close to or literally in the heart of the capital. The public bus #8 is about $0.25 USD, and the airport taxis to any hotel in the city cost no more than $5.00 – $10.00 USD. As you can see, taxis are the most expensive option, yet affordable, so it is not worth the hassle with a bus, especially if you have luggage. Unfortunately, Uber is not available, but other ride-hailing apps like My Taxi and Yango are available to/from the airport and throughout the country. Their price range is about $3.00 – $5.00 USD, and they offer excellent service.
ABOUT THE CITY OF DUSHANBE
The capital city Dushanbe (formerly Stalinabad, named after Joseph Stalin) is the cultural city and capital of Tajikistan in the Gissar Valley and Varboz River. It originally functioned as a “Monday Marketplace,” hence the name Dushanbe, which means “Monday” in Tajiki. Dushanbe is a developed, vibrant city with a rich history. If you seek nature, history, adventure, or nightlife, it is in Dushanbe. It offers ancient Asian and modern architecture with a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Dushanbe has a population of almost 1.6 million people, and the city with more than 1.5 million is predominantly Tajik. Moreover, it is famous for its beautiful gardens, parks (especially Rudaki Park), and green spaces. It is a clean, safe, cosmopolitan city with various ethnicities. Additionally, it boasts many theatres, cafes, shops, clubs, bars, restaurants, stores, and lively bazaars. Further, it is the center of education in Tajikistan because it has several universities and educational institutions.
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It seems popular because I met many Indians, Pakistanis, and Malaysians attending some of these universities. Even more, it attracts visitors, although in small numbers during the low travel period. Because I met some visitors from China, France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. The locals told me that during the summer, it attracts more visitors. It is understandable because not many people love winter travel as much as I do.
The city is simply gorgeous. Before arriving, I pictured it looking somewhat like Dublin, Ireland, with most buildings greyish or even Soviet-styled. However, on my drive from the airport at 3:00 a.m. I was surprised to see a beautifully lit city, full of life. I had to ask if they decorated for Christmas but the driver replied that it is how it looks throughout the year. I was pleasantly surprised. With so many decorative lights hanging across the streets and poles, it seemed like a Christmas theme that most countries do for the Holidays.
Besides, Tajikistan is a Muslim country and according to my research, they do not celebrate Christmas, or worse yet, put a ban on it. Contrarily, they decorated the city with many Christmas trees, not only in restaurants and stores but also in the parks. However, from talking to the locals, they said December 25th is not an official holiday to celebrate Christmas Day but the locals and the small Christian/Orthodox community still acknowledge and celebrate it.
One thing I observed in the city was the large amount of cars on the roads. It also seemed like for every five cars on the road, three were three taxis. Furthermore, these taxis were almost always empty and speedily driving. Where to? Who knows! However, they always acknowledged the pedestrians at the pedestrian crossings and stopped, unlike drivers in some countries. Another noticeable thing was the city was void of beggars, homeless people, and loiterers, except for one man sitting at the side of the road.
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Tips and Fun Facts about Tajikistan
- The languages spoken – Tajiki (the official language), Russian.
- Official currency – Tajikistan Somomi (TJS).
1 USD = 10.66 TJS
1 Euro = 11.66 TJS
1 GBP = 13.94 TJS
- Tajikistan possesses rich and important mineral deposits: metallic, such as zinc ore, metal ore lead, copper, silver, and gold, and non-metallic minerals include common salt, carbonates, fluorite, arsenic, quartz sand, asbestos, mercury, and precious and semi-precious stones.
- The second-tallest flagpole worldwide in Tajikistan. At 165 m, it was the tallest until 2014 when Saudi Arabia broke the record at 171 m.
- Tajikistan is extremely mountainous with over 90% of its lands considered uplands.
- Non (Tajik Naan) bread accompanies meals and is treated with significant respect. It cannot be dropped, turned upside down, or have anything placed on top of it.
- Tajikistan is home to the world’s second-highest latitude highway, the Pamir Highway (aka M41). It is one of the most scenic and challenging highways in the world. (FYI, it is an almost nine-hour drive from Dushanbe).
Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia Cont......
- Tajikistan is among the countries with the greatest potential for hydroelectric power worldwide. Some of the hydroelectricity comes from the water flowing from streams and rivers.
- Gushtingiri (a form of wrestling) is Tajikistan’s national sport, and its history spans exceeds five thousand years.
- Tajikistan does not recognise December 25th, (Christmas Day) as a public holiday and children are expected to attend schools, businesses remain open and it is a normal day. However, if Christians want to take a day off for private celebrations, there is no law against it.
- At 7,000 m high, the Pamir Mountains are known locally as the “Roof of the World”. Moreover, UNESCO listed the Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) as the highest mountain range on the Eurasian continent.
- Tajikistan is home to the world’s second-highest dam. It is called the Nurek and is built across the 70 km-long Nurek Reservoir.
- Tajikistan is a landlocked country and has no access to open sea because it is only surrounded by land.
- Ismoil Somoni Peak formerly known as Peak Communism Mount (24,590 feet/7,495 m) is Tajikistan’s highest mountain peak.
- At 3.186 meters, Tajikistan has the world’s third-highest average elevation after Nepal and Bhutan.
- Tajikistan has the fourth unhealthiest air quality in the world, according to the World Health organization (WHO). Although I didn’t see or feel it, I took precautions. (Hence the reason I travelled with my (#Ad) wearable mini Travel Air Purifier and my (#Ad) almost invisible Nasal Filter instead of wearing a mask as I did recently in Pakistan and the Philippines a few years ago before COVID-19, because of similar air pollution). FYI, in all my photos, I am wearing an air purifier and my nasal filters, which were barely visible.
- The most favourable months to visit Tajikistan are from April to June and September to October because the other months are extremely hot or cold. I love the winter months, hence the reason I travel during the “unfavourable months.
- Tajikistan is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” because the country is scattered with lakes (over 2000) including; Lake Karaku, Iskanderkul, and Lake Sarez.
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Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia Cont......
ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF TAJIKISTAN
The Tajiks are a traditionally sedentary people who speak a form of Persian (called Tajik). They are a multicultural people because various backgrounds and ethnicities live harmoniously together. I think they are some of the most hospitable people worldwide and certainly deserve to be on the list of friendliest people and countries worldwide. I felt a connection with many Tajiks even before I boarded the plane to Tajikistan. Without speaking one word in English, they were already trying to communicate with me, and enquiring if I was travelling for work. They were pleasantly surprised and baffled that I chose their country to vacation, especially during winter.
Firstly, I must point out a few noticeable things about the appearance of the Tajiks; the men all have similar hairstyles because it seems their hair grows in similar patterns and is very thick and black. The women are beautiful, and almost 90% have unibrows, which looks very cute. Additionally, Tajikistan does not feel like a Muslim country. Had it not been for the women covering their heads, well the married ones, one wouldn’t have guessed it. Furthermore, the men do not wear the Thobes (long garbs) or wear the headdress. Furthermore, the people look more European than Asian…just my view.
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Secondly, being Muslim, they all shy away from photos, yet they took pictures alongside me on their phones but I was not allowed to take videos or pictures of them. I respect, this because I guess it is their custom and is similar in most Muslim countries. Thirdly, they rank high on the friendliness and helpfulness scale. The acts of hospitality I received in Tajikistan were truly touching and simply amazing. Upon arrival at the airport, (I got many stares similar to my experience in Pakistan – home to the world’s youngest Nobel laureate, but less intense). While I looked around for one of the few seats all were occupied then a gentleman got up and invited me to have his seat.
Then came another and started chatting in perfect English, he was on his way to the departure area. He asked where I was from, told me the Wi-Fi did not work, and welcomed me to Tajikistan. When he left there came another who sat next to me stared and smiled. He spoke no English but understood that I had a Wi-Fi dilemma. He then invited me to use his phone Wi-Fi hotspot to contact pick-up. “How Sweet,” I thought to myself, the hospitality, was quite evident.
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Tajikistan, the Smallest Country in Central Asia Cont......
Throughout my stay, I felt welcomed, and yes I got stared at by many in the city, especially the younger ladies. Maybe because there were not many black people in Dushanbe, at least, I didn’t see any, likewise, I was the only one on the plane. Who knows! It is more reasoning why I stood out, I guess. I even caught many sneakily videotaping me or the young ladies stared, smiled, and waved or took a quick photo of me. Special hello and thanks to Bek, Nazira, and his family (including his beautiful daughter and three very jovial sons).
Here is why; I visited his restaurant and during my meal, he brought me tea and soup at no extra charge. Then, in front of his wife, he took my number to invite me to see another part of the country the next day. I jokingly told him I did not want his wife to kill me. She laughed and jokingly said, “I can have him”. We had this entire conversation solely in gesticulations and little English. The next day, he came to my hotel, picked me up, and with his wife, her two friends, and one of her sons, we went sightseeing for the day outside the city.
We had lunch, all at his expense. That was another thoughtful act. I tried offering some finance at the end of the day, but he said to think nothing of it. We were to meet again, but due to time constraints, it did not happen. However, we have something in common, he said he works and spends all his money on travel. It’s a great plan. I met many others who were very helpful, even departing the country and on the plane. Those at the hotel, restaurants, and just about everywhere in the city, the Tajiks made me feel at home.
TAKING PHOTOS IN DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
Before visiting Tajikistan, during my research, I discovered that it is illegal to take photos of government buildings in the city. However, I dismissed the information and called it nonsense. However, within the first few minutes of my arrival in the town and while getting familiar with the area, I took a photo of the tallest building at the end of my street. I did so not only because it was a nice-looking building but as a landmark when finding my way back to the hotel.
However, as soon as I took the photo, two men dressed in camouflage (assuming they were regimental officers) called out to me and said, “No photos”. They were about two feet away, approached me, and signalled to see the phone. Would you believe it? They made me delete them and even scrolled to see if I had more. Ha-ha. They were not intimidating in any way and even smiled. However, if had I not previously read it, it would have shaken me up. The officers were not fluent in English, but had these words ready for visitors like me who photograph Government buildings.
As I walked away, I wondered how to know which were government buildings or not. Anyhow, later along my walk, I met two pleasant officers who looked like traffic officers, but before taking photos of two other buildings, I pointed to them, gesticulated as if taking a photo, and asked, “Photo no problem?” they nodded their heads and said, “Yes, yes” I also pointed to the other one the previous officer told me not to photograph and again and said, “No problem photo?” one of the one the officers responded, “No problem photo”. Then I explained as best as I could, that the officers said, “No photos of government buildings,” but they said “No problem”.
Nevertheless, I was not about to be charged for taking photos of that building. Regarding the other buildings in the city, I looked around for any visible signs of officers before I took pictures. Furthermore, had it not happened to me, I would not have believed it. Not even the locals I explained it to, believed such things happen in their country, therefore be advised.
TAJIKISTAN SAFETY AND SECURITY
Regarding security and safety in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, I felt safe throughout my stay. As was anticipated, it felt like any regular day in any safe country. All the locals boast of their country’s safety and told me not to worry about anything day or night. They all beamed with pride that they live in a safe country. I walked fearlessly alone day and night without looking over my shoulders.
One can usually gauge the security and crime rate in a country when the windows of homes are void of burglar-proofing and there are no security guards in the stores and restaurants, as I witnessed in Dushanbe. I remember seeing a police car passing but never policemen standing outside buildings or street corners.
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HOW EXPENSIVE ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, AND TRANSPORTATION?
Prices for everything in Tajikistan were fairly inexpensive. The meals, accommodation, and all public transportation were also affordable and perfect for the budget traveller. Nonetheless, the locals think it is an expensive country. For example, you can get a nice hotel with breakfast for less than $40.00 USD nightly. Additionally, three meals (not junk food) can range between $10.00 USD – $12.00 USD daily or less if you spend wisely.
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ABOUT TAJIKISTAN FOOD
Tajikistan cuisine is very similar to others in the region, including Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, and even Chinese. Its main staples are rice, bread, meats, and very mild spices. Meals begin with drinks, usually green tea, and accompanied by fruits, nuts, and sweets. Traditional dishes include Osh, seasoned rice with meat and turnips, and Qurutob, which is made by pouring cheese over Fatir Bread and then topped with onions, tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and meats.
TOP 5 PAKISTANI FOODS YOU MUST TRY
- Plov aka Osh (aka pilaf, is the traditional dish of Tajikistan. They cook it in a large iron caldron called a Kazan, and it is a somewhat oily dish made with rice, onions, carrots, and seasonings and topped with chunks of beef).
- Qurotob/Kurutob (Tajikistan’s national dish – a shared dish eaten with hands. They make it with Fatir (flat bread), balls of cheese, yogurt, tomato, cucumber, green onions, meat, and chili peppers).
- Sambusa baraki (a popular spin on samosa, which is a pastry filled with spice meat, onions, and herbs. However, unlike samosas, it is flakier and baked, not fried, and can sometimes be filled with lentils, pumpkin, or potatoes).
- Mantu (delicious steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (lamb or beef), onions, and sometimes vegetables. They make the dumplings into pockets, fill them with the meat, seal them and then steam them until cooked).
- Kaurmo Shurbo (a thick Tajik soup consisting of broth with chunks of meat (beef or mutton) and vegetables, carrots, Bulgarian peppers, potatoes, and various spices).
TOP 5 MUST-SEE SITES OF INTEREST IN IDUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN
- The Istiqlo Monument and Square (the square and statue are the most famous landmarks in Dushanbe. It is also sometimes referred to as Independence and Freedom Tower. It honours the 30th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence from the Soviet Union. To enjoy it even more, pay a small fee to visit the top of the tower for great views of Dushanbe).
- The National Museum of Tajikistan (it comprises a vast collection of artefacts of the country’s history and heritage).
- Safed Dara (it takes a little over an hour to this site, which has a ski resort and a gondola. It is excellent for those who indulge in winter activities such as ice skating and skiing).
- Somoni and Rudaki Park (the most famous and prominent park in Dushanbe. They named the park after the famous Persian poet A. A. Rudaki, the founder of Tajik and Persian literature, due to the country’s Persian history. The park also has the second-tallest flagpole worldwide).
- Hisor Fortress and the Madrass-I Kuhna (take a day trip outside the city to this must-see site that dates back to the 5th century and was reconstructed in the 16th The Old Madrassa Museum contains a vast collection of artefacts of the country’s history and heritage, including the Bukhara Empire).
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For those so inclined to trek and adventure, visit the Pamirs. The Pamir Mountain (called the Roof of the World), is 4000 meters high and is a must-see for those with the transport and time to explore. Additionally, the Pamir Highway, which includes the Akbaytal Pass at 4,655 meters, is the primary tourist site that attracts many visitors to Tajikistan. For reference, it takes approximately two days and nine hours to get to Pamir Mountain by bus and train transfers. However, if you have a car, direct drive is almost nine hours from Dushanbe. Further, they list it as one of the world’s greatest road trips, and a recommended seven to fourteen days is ideal for this tour.
SUMMARY
Tajikistan is an amazing country mainly because of its people. Dushanbe is an easy-going city, and aesthetically beautiful and non-pretentious. I felt at ease and quite at home in Dushanbe, and I would love to revisit, even if it is to visit the Pamirs. Moreover, its overwhelming hospitality, safety, and budget-friendly prices are enticing. I highly recommend it to female solo travellers like myself, budget travellers, and the adventurous. In conclusion, I am happy I visited and had a great time. I encourage everyone to go and enjoy one of the “less touristy” countries like Tajikistan, the smallest country in Central Asia.
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