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| Rugged and mountainous, Tajikistan sits at the heart of Central Asia with China to the east and the Indian subcontinent to the south. Three major Silk Road routes ran through its present day territory.
These ancient arteries were mentioned in contemporary Persian, Greek, Chinese and Arabic sources, which highlighted Tajik contributions to the commerce and culture of the time, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries. These three routes were the Sogdian, or North Road, which connected Samarkand and Kashgar; the Karategin Road between Termez and Kashgar; and the Pamir Road linking Balkh and Tashkurgan.
Besides its Silk Road sites, this robust and remote country boasts the Pamir mountain range, sometimes called 'The Roof of the World'. From here spread the three great ranges of Central Asia - the Hindu Kush, the Karakorams, and the Tien Shan. |
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Ancient Penjikent is a Sogdian city which flourished from the 5th to 8th centuries. It is so well preserved it has been dubbed 'Central Asia's Pompeii'. An opulent governor's palace, homes and temples can be seen. Greek, Chinese, Persian and Indian artistic influences are evident. Ura Tyube is one of the most ancient and beautiful cities in Tajikistan and its long history includes capture by Alexander the Great. Besides a number of mosques, mausoleums and madrasas, the surrounding region also contains rich archaeological treasures, including the city of Shahristan. The Khazrati Shoh Mausoleum located in Chorku, near Isfara, is of carved wood and dates from the 10th to 11th centuries. It is unique to Central Asia. There are also a 19th-century mosque and a modern mausoleum in the same complex. Khujand dates back to the 7th century BC and was a key crossroads on The Silk Road with routes branching off in all directions. At its height, the city was a renowned religious centre and today the magnificent citadel, the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihitdin and an 18th-century mosque are among the monuments which attract visitors. The Hissar Historic and Cultural Reserve located near the capital, Dushanbe, is a fascinating archaeological complex which scholars say dates from the 15th century. Several mosques, a caravanserai, a madrasa and a mausoleum have all been excavated and are on display. Sarazm, some 20 kilometres from Penjikent, is one of the most ancient settlements of Central Asia, dating from the Bronze Age. The Mausoleum of Khoja Nakhshron is a rare monument typifying the architecture of the 11th and 12th centuries. Mirrajab Dodkho Madrasa is an original Koran school from the 17th century. The Mausoleum of Mukhammad Bashoro is a masterful example of ancient architecture. Dating from the 11th to 16th centuries, it is 30 kilometres from Isfara. Iskanderkul Lake is a picturesque place associated with Alexander the Great. |
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