Dushanbe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dushanbe Душанбe
Capital city
Clockwise from top: Palace of the Nation and Dushanbe Flagpole, Statue of Rudaki, Tajikistan National Museum, Grand Masjid Imam Tirmizi, Panoramic view of the city, Ayni Opera House, Ismoil Somoni Monument, National Library of Tajikistan
Seal
Location of Dushanbe in Tajikistan
Dushanbe Location in Tajikistan Show map of Tajikistan Dushanbe Location in Asia Show map of Asia Dushanbe Location in Earth Show map of Earth
Country	Tajikistan
Region	Dushanbe
Named for	Monday
Districts	List Ismail Samani Avicenna Ferdowsi Shah Mansur
Area
• Land	203 km2 (78 sq mi)
• Urban	185 km2 (71 sq mi)
Elevation	823 m (2,700 ft)
Highest elevation	930 m (3,050 ft)
Lowest elevation	750 m (2,460 ft)
Population  (March 2024)
• Capital city	1,564,700
• Rank	1st in Tajikistan
• Metro	3,147,000
Time zone	UTC+05:00 (Tajikistan Time)
• Summer (DST)	(Not Observed)
Postal code	6-Digit
Area code(s)	372
Vehicle registration	01, 05
HDI (2021)	0.756 high
Official languages	Russian (Interethnic) Tajik (State)

Dushanbe is the capital and largest city of Tajikistan. As of 2024, about 1.5 million people live here. Most of them are Tajik.

Before 1929, the city was called Dyushambe. From 1929 to 1961, it was known as Stalinabad, named after Joseph Stalin. Dushanbe is in the Gissar Valley, surrounded by mountains. Its elevation is between 750 and 930 meters (about 2,460 to 3,050 feet). The city is divided into four main areas. These are named after famous Persian historical figures.

In ancient times, different groups lived in or near Dushanbe. These included early tool-users and people from large empires. Later, in the Middle Ages, market villages grew here. Dushanbe became a market town controlled by different rulers. Eventually, it was taken over by the Russian Empire.

In 1922, the Bolsheviks took control of Dushanbe. In 1924, it became the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This led to fast growth for the city. After the Tajik Civil War, Dushanbe became the capital of independent Tajikistan. It continued to grow into a modern city. Today, it hosts many international meetings.

Dushanbe's education system started mostly during Soviet times. The biggest university, the Tajik National University, is funded by the government. Dushanbe International Airport is the main airport. The city also has a trolleybus system, a small rail system, and many roads. Dushanbe gets most of its electricity from the Nurek Dam. The country's main hospitals are located in the city. Dushanbe makes up 20% of Tajikistan's economy. It has strong industries, finance, shopping, and tourism. Popular places to visit include Victory Park, Rudaki Park, and the Tajikistan National Museum.

What Does the Name Dushanbe Mean?

Dushanbe used to have a big market that was open every Monday. This is how the city got its name. Dushanbe means Monday in the Persian language. It literally means "the second day" after Saturday.

In late 1929, the city was renamed Stalinabad. This meant "the city of Stalin". But in late 1961, it went back to being called Dushanbe. This happened because of a process called de-Stalinization, which removed Stalin's name from many places.

A Look at Dushanbe's Past

Early Settlements

Long ago, in the Stone Age, people used tools in the Hisar Valley near Dushanbe. Later, in the Neolithic period (around 2000 BC), other groups lived there. They raised cattle, farmed, and wove fabrics.

Near Dushanbe International Airport, scientists found Bronze Age burial sites. These date back to about 1000 BC. Dishes and pottery from the Achaemenid Empire (around 6th century BC) were also found nearby. Small forts from the 5th century BC have been discovered too.

Later, the Seleucids took control in 312 BC. A small Greco-Bactrian village existed around 3rd century BC. Coins from this time have been found. The Kushan Empire also had a city near the Varzob river. They lived there from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD.

The ruins of a Buddhist monastery from the 5th to 6th centuries were found near Dushanbe. This was during the time of the Hephthalites. Other old towns were also in the area. Trade with other countries grew during this period.

After the Arab conquest, the Samanids ruled the region. Crafts and trade were important. In the 10th-12th centuries, the city of Hulbuk grew near Dushanbe. It had a famous palace.

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  Bishkent culture

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  Vakhsh culture

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  Kara-Khanid Khanate

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  Greco-Bactria

How Dushanbe Became a Market Town

Dushanbe was first mentioned in history in 1676. It was called "Kasabai Dushanbe," meaning "Dushanbe Town." This name showed its importance as a trading place. Its location on caravan routes helped its market grow. These routes connected different valleys and led to big cities like Bukhara and Samarkand.

At that time, Dushanbe had about 7,000 to 8,000 people. It had mosques, schools, and teahouses. The town was a center for weaving, leather making, and iron production.

By 1826, it was called Dushanbe Qurghan, meaning "Dushanbe Fortress." It became known as Dyushambe in Russian in 1875. It was a stop for travelers going to other cities. The town had about 10,000 people.

In 1868, the Russian Empire took control over Bukhara, which included Dushanbe. The first hospital was built in 1915 with Russian help. A railroad was planned but not built.

In 1920, the last ruler of Bukhara, Alim Khan, came to Dushanbe for safety. He was overthrown by the Bolsheviks. The Red Army took Dushanbe in 1921. But in 1922, other troops took it back for a short time. On July 14, 1922, the Bolsheviks regained control.

Dushanbe as the Capital of the Tajik ASSR

In October 1924, Dushanbe was named the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This was part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. Dushanbe was chosen because it was a crossroads for trade. It had a big market where people from all over Tajikistan met. The mild weather was also a reason.

After the Soviet takeover, Dushanbe's population was very small. To help it recover, the Soviets temporarily removed taxes for many people. In 1923, Dushanbe got its first telegraph link. A railroad to Termez was started in 1924. The first newspaper was published in 1924. Power plants and electricity also came to Dushanbe. By the end of 1924, regular plane routes started.

Construction on the railroad began in 1926 and finished in 1929. This connected Dushanbe to a larger railway system. It helped the city's economy grow a lot. The first boarding school for boys opened in 1925. In 1927, the first teaching college opened. The Soviets also helped Tajiks from the countryside move to the capital.

Dushanbe as the Capital of the Tajik SSR

In 1929, the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic became separate from the Uzbek SSR. Its capital, Dyushambe, was renamed Stalinabad on October 19, 1929. This name honored Joseph Stalin. Nearby villages were also added to the city.

The city grew very quickly in the following years. The Soviets made it a center for cotton and silk production. Thousands of people moved to the city. Many Tajiks also moved from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan. By 1940, industry had grown nine times since 1913. The first bus line started in 1930. In 1938, young people built Komsomolskoye Lake in the city.

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  Former Supreme Soviet Building

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  Former Central Committee Building, demolished in 2021

Many changes happened under Mayor Abdukarim Rozykov (1925–1932). He wanted to make Dushanbe a "model communist city." Mikhail Kalitin continued to develop industry. By the late 1930s, Dushanbe had 4,295 buildings.

During World War II, Dushanbe's population grew. About 100,000 people moved there from the war zones. The city's industries also increased. The Soviets moved important factories away from the war. Industries like textile and food processing grew.

By 1954, Dushanbe had 30 schools. It also had a medical institute, an academy of sciences, and a university. In 1960, gas supply reached the capital. On November 10, 1961, Stalinabad was renamed Dushanbe again. This was part of de-Stalinization. In 1960, the first zoo was built. Later, a plan was made to provide free apartments.

The Nurek Dam, once the world's tallest dam, was finished in the 1960s. It is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) southeast of Dushanbe. Another dam, the Rogun Dam, was started but later stopped. By 1979, Dushanbe's population reached 500,000. It had the fastest population growth in the Soviet Union.

Riots and Unrest

In the 1980s, Dushanbe started to face environmental problems and more crime.

In February 1990, large protests happened. People were worried about housing shortages. There were rumors that many refugees would move to Tajikistan. Violence broke out, and Martial law was declared. Troops were sent to protect people and stop looting. Some people were killed during these events.

After these events, the Communist Party of Tajikistan was dissolved in August 1991. On September 9, 1991, Tajikistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union.

Dushanbe as the Capital of Tajikistan

Dushanbe became the capital of independent Tajikistan on September 9, 1991. Other countries soon opened their embassies there.

Dushanbe was mostly controlled by the government during the Tajikistani Civil War (1992–1997). However, opposition groups did capture the capital for a short time in 1992. Many Russians left the city during this period. But many Tajiks from rural areas moved in. The war ended with a peace agreement in 1997.

In 2000, Dushanbe got internet access for the first time. In 2004, UNESCO named Dushanbe a "city of peace." Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev was the mayor for 21 years, until 2017. Since independence, the city's economy has grown steadily. In 2017, Rustam Emomali, the son of the current President, became the Mayor of Dushanbe.

Where is Dushanbe Located?

Dushanbe is located where two rivers meet: the Varzob and the Kofarnihon. It is between 750 and 930 meters (about 2,460 to 3,050 feet) above sea level. The city is surrounded by mountains. The Gissar Range is to the north and east. Other mountains are to the south. This means Dushanbe is in a valley surrounded by mountains.

Most of Dushanbe's buildings are in this valley. Before the 1960s, most of the city was on one side of the Varzob river. But as it grew, it expanded across the river.

Dushanbe is in an area where earthquakes can happen. Strong earthquakes have been felt in the city over the past 100 years.

What is Dushanbe's Climate Like?

Dushanbe has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has hot summers and cool winters. It gets more rain than other Central Asian capitals. This is because moist air gets trapped by the surrounding valley in winter and spring. Winters are not as cold as areas north of the Gissar Range. The mountains protect the city from extremely cold air. Snow falls about 25 days a year.

Winter in Dushanbe starts in early December and ends in late February. Spring is from late February to mid-May. During spring, there is a lot of rain and thunderstorms. Summer is from mid-May to mid-August. This is the best time for farming. Autumn is warm and dry, from mid-August to early December.

Animals and Plants in Dushanbe

Before the 20th century, Dushanbe had natural plants like almond bushes. But building the city removed most of this. Now, the city has a "green belt" and a botanical garden. These have brought new plants to the city. Over 150 types of trees and shrubs grow here. About 22% of the city is green space.

There are 14 types of mammals in Dushanbe. These include foxes, weasels, and different kinds of bats and rodents. About 130 types of birds live in the city. These include pigeons and turtle doves. Many birds also visit during fall and summer.

Dushanbe has 47 types of reptiles, like geckos, snakes, and lizards. Frogs and toads live in the city's cleaner waters. The rivers, lakes, and ponds have 14 types of fish. About 300 types of insects live in the city. Some are cicadas, aphids, and butterflies.

How is Dushanbe Divided?

Dushanbe is divided into four main districts:

District name	Former name	Area, km2 (2020)	Population, persons (as of previous 2019 borders)	District Chairman
Ismail Samani (Tajik: Исмоили Сомонӣ, Ismoili Somoni)	October (Октябрьский)	37.6	148,700	Sami Sharif Hamid
Avicenna (Sino) (Tajik: Абӯалӣ Ибни Сино, Abūali Ibni Sino)	Frunzensky (Фрунзенский)	62.2	326,100	Salimzoda Nusratullo Faizullo
Ferdowsi (Tajik: Фирдавсӣ, Firdavsi)	Central (Центральный)	54.5	209,000	Yusufi Muhammadrahim
Shah Mansur (Tajik: Шоҳмансур, Shohmansur)	Railway (Железнодорожный)	48.9	162,600	Bilol Ibrohim

In 2020, the city grew bigger. It took in land from the Rudaki District.

What to See in Dushanbe

Some of the main places to visit in Dushanbe include the Tajikistan National Museum. There is also the National Museum of Antiquities. The Dushanbe Flagpole is the second tallest free-standing flagpole in the world. It stands 165 meters (541 feet) high.

You can also visit the Dushanbe Zoo and Rudaki Avenue. Rudaki Avenue is the main street of the capital. The Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments has many traditional instruments. The National Library is the largest in Central Asia. It has over 3 million books.

• Main sights of Dushanbe
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  National Museum of Tajikistan

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  Puppet Theater

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  National Museum of Antiquities

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  Rudaki Avenue

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  Dushanbe Flagpole

Who Lives in Dushanbe?

Dushanbe's population grew very fast after the Soviet invasion in the 1920s. It went down during the Tajik Civil War in the 1990s. But it started growing again after the war. In the mid-20th century, many Russians lived in the city. After the civil war, many Russians left. The Tajik population then became the largest group.

The main languages spoken in Dushanbe are Tajik and Russian. Uzbek is also widely spoken by a minority group.

Religions in Dushanbe

Islam came to Dushanbe in the 8th century. Today, most people in the city follow Sunni Islam. There is a small Catholic community. They have a church called St Joseph Church. There are also about 350 Jews in Tajikistan. Their synagogue was rebuilt in 2008.

In 2009, Dushanbe was chosen as the 2010 capital of Islamic culture. A new large mosque is being built in Dushanbe. It will be one of the biggest in Central Asia.

The Russian Orthodox Church is another religious group in the city. St. Nicholas Cathedral is where the Orthodox community worships.

• Religious buildings in Dushanbe
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  Mosque in Dushanbe

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  Cathedral in Dushanbe

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  Synagogue in Dushanbe

Learning in Dushanbe

Before the Soviets arrived, education in Dushanbe was mostly in religious schools called madrasas. They taught the Quran, Persian, Arabic, and some sciences. The Soviet Union later closed these madrasas.

The Soviet education system was very successful. It helped almost everyone learn to read and write. Girls also started going to school. In 1925, the People's Commissariat of Education was created in Dushanbe. Higher education began in the 1930s. A teaching institute opened in 1931. In 1939, the Tajik State Medical University was founded. By World War II, Dushanbe had 32 secondary schools and two institutes.

After the war, the Tajik National University was created in 1947. Other specialized schools were also built. The Soviet system trained people for specific jobs needed in the economy.

The civil war after independence hurt the education system. Government spending on education dropped a lot. But private schools and universities started to grow.

Today, the Tajik State Pedagogical University has thousands of students. Other large universities include the Tajik Technical University and the Tajik Agrarian University. Dushanbe has 23 universities with over 100,000 students. It also has 13 colleges and 140 schools.

The Russian-Tajik Slavonic University was created in the 1990s. This happened when many Russian language schools were closing. The Islamic Institute of Tajikistan was founded to help fight against extreme ideas. In 2009, a branch of Moscow State University opened in Dushanbe.

The Tajik National University is the most important university in the country. It has over 21,000 students. The government funds it directly. Dushanbe's education system is still largely managed by the national government. Other schools include the Tajikistan Humanitarian International University and the Tax Law Institute.

Getting Around Dushanbe

Air Travel

The first flight to Dushanbe happened on September 3, 1924. It was from Bukhara. This service ran three times a week. In 1927, another air route opened from Tashkent to Dushanbe. A small airport was built. In 1930, a bigger airport was constructed.

The first regular flight from the city started in 1945. The state airline, Tajik Air, was created in 1949. Many new planes were added in the 1950s and 60s.

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  View of Dushanbe International Airport

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  Terminal of Dushanbe International Airport

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  Air Astana plane at Dushanbe International Airport

Today, Dushanbe International Airport has regular flights to many cities. These include Ürümqi, Kabul, Delhi, Dubai, and Istanbul. It also connects to major cities in Russia and Central Asia. Somon Air, another airline, has its main office in Dushanbe. Japanese investors built a cargo terminal at the airport.

Roads in Dushanbe

The first road in the country was for camels. The Soviets later made it a modern road. The first bus line started in 1930. Taxi service began in 1937. Cars are now the main way people travel in Dushanbe.

One major road goes through the mountains from Khujand to Dushanbe. Another main road goes east from Dushanbe to Khorog. Many new highways and tunnels have been built or are being built. These projects help connect Dushanbe to other parts of Tajikistan and neighboring countries.

Train Travel

The first train line in Dushanbe was built from 1926 to 1929. It opened on September 10, 1929. This line connected Dushanbe to Termez and then to Moscow. Other smaller train lines were added later. In 2002, a new railway company modernized the system.

Today, Tajikistan's main railways are in the south. They connect Dushanbe to industrial areas. They also link to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. A new railway line was built from Dushanbe to Gharm. This helps connect the country to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan without going through Uzbekistan. There is also a train service from Dushanbe to Khujand.

Trolleybuses in Dushanbe

The Dushanbe trolleybus system started on April 6, 1955. The first trolleybus began running on May 1, 1955. More routes were added over the years. By 1967, there were 9 routes.

When the Soviet Union broke apart, the system faced problems. Fuel prices went up, and there was looting. The number of trolleybuses dropped a lot. But in 2004, 100 new trolleybuses were ordered. This helped bring the service back.

In 2020, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development gave money to fix the system. As of 2020, Dushanbe has 7 trolleybus routes. They carry 11 million passengers a year. Trolleybuses used to be the main way to travel. Now, they are only 2% of motorized trips.

Future Metro System

A new above-ground metro system is planned for Dushanbe. Construction is expected to start in 2025. The first line might be finished by 2040.

City Buildings and Services

City Design and Buildings

Before the Soviet invasion, Dushanbe had narrow streets and mud-brick buildings. None of these old buildings remain. The Soviets started to develop the city in the 1920s. They laid the groundwork for its future growth. In the 1930s, a style called constructivist architecture became popular. Buildings were larger and made of concrete.

A master plan for Dushanbe was created in 1934 and 1935. It was approved in 1938. The city center moved to Red Square and Frunze Park. Much of the city's modern services were built in the late 1930s. In the 1940s, buildings focused more on decoration and a neoclassical style.

In 1955, a new rule ended the neoclassical period. City architecture became more modern and simple. In 1966, a new master plan was made because the city was growing so fast.

The first skyscraper in Dushanbe, the Hotel Dushanbe, was built in 1964. Tall buildings were built in the mid-1970s. This happened even though experts warned it could be dangerous in an earthquake.

In the 1980s, new architects created more complex designs. They also paid more attention to environmental issues. In the late 1990s, more 9-12 story concrete houses were built. Private companies built most of the new homes.

In the 21st century, new tall buildings are being constructed. These include a new parliament building and the national museum. However, many old Soviet-era buildings have been torn down. The city center now has wide streets and Russian-style buildings. Suburban areas are not as developed.

Electricity in Dushanbe

In the 1930s, Dushanbe started using hydroelectricity. This made it very advanced in energy production for its time. Today, 96% of Tajikistan's power comes from hydroelectricity.

In 2007, Dushanbe had a big energy crisis. The old Soviet-era energy system could not handle the cold winter. This caused a severe lack of heating. Since 2007, there have been energy shortages in winter. In 2009, Tajikistan stopped trading energy with other countries. In 2012, natural gas imports from Uzbekistan were cut off. This made the problem worse.

The Nurek hydroelectric dam provides about three-quarters of the country's power. New hydroelectric plants are being planned. In 2017, the government said rolling blackouts would end. But in 2020, they were still happening. Barqi Tojik is the main energy producer for the city. It produces 75% of the country's electricity. A second coal plant is planned for the city.

Water and Cleanliness

Tajikistan gets a lot of rain and has many rivers and lakes. Most of Dushanbe's water system was built in 1932. It has not been updated much, even with more people living in the city. The Big Gissar Canal was built in 1942. It waters much of southern Tajikistan.

As of 2004, the city's water pipes were 476 kilometers (296 miles) long. Water comes from rivers and treatment plants. As of 2018, 40% of the city's people did not have access to sewage systems.

Parks in Dushanbe

As of 2020, Dushanbe has 15 parks. One famous park is Rudaki Park. It was created in the mid-1930s. It was renovated in 2007.

Another park is Victory Park. It was built in 1975 to remember World War II. The Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan was founded in 1933. It has many old trees. In 2007, a collection of traditional buildings was added to the park.

• Parks in Dushanbe
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  Rudaki Park with the Palace of the Nation in the background.

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  Folk architecture area of the botanical gardens

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  Dushanbe botanical gardens

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  A parade in Victory Park

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  World War 2 memorial in Victory Park

Cemeteries in Dushanbe

Dushanbe has 5 main cemeteries and 14 smaller, unofficial ones. Mekhrobod, founded in 2013, is one of the main ones. Luchob cemetery, founded in 1977, is another. It has graves of well-known people.

Sari Osiyo, founded in 1933, is one of the oldest cemeteries. The Christian cemetery is also one of the five main ones. Shokhmansur is the last of the five. The Jewish cemetery is one of the unofficial ones. It is cared for by the Bukharian Jewish community.

Healthcare in Dushanbe

In 1925, Dushanbe got its first city hospital and ambulance system. Many medical places opened during that time. In 1939, a hospital for infectious diseases was created. The Stalinabad Medical Institute was also founded.

Tajikistan's healthcare is mostly in Dushanbe. The city has a good network of clinics, hospitals, and medical centers. As of 2010, there were 62 medical places in the city. By 2019, the number of hospitals grew to 43.

Citizens get care through clinics they are assigned to. Some hospitals include the Mansurov Clinic and the Istiqlol Medical Complex. Khoja Obi Garm is an old Soviet-era health resort. It still uses special treatments today. Temporary hospitals were set up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dushanbe's Economy

In 2018, Dushanbe's economy was worth about $1.5 billion. This was about 20% of Tajikistan's total economy. The average salary in the city in 2014 was about $140. Dushanbe is the center of financial activity in the country. It had over 30 banks in 2004.

Dushanbe has a lot of international trade. In the first half of 2019, exports were over $8 million. Total foreign trade was almost $400 million in 2018. Dushanbe exports mostly to Turkey, Iran, and Russia. It imports mostly from Russia, Kazakhstan, and China.

After the Soviet invasion, most industries focused on local needs. These included meat packing, soap, bricks, and clothing. In 1932, 776 people worked in industry. By 1938, this grew to 12,000. During World War II, Dushanbe's industry grew a lot. The Soviets moved factories to the east. Industries like textile and food processing expanded.

About one-third of Tajikistan's industrial workers are in Dushanbe. In 2019, there were 455 manufacturing companies. They produced over 1.6 billion Somoni worth of products. The main products exported are cotton yarn, fabrics, and agricultural goods.

Light industry is the most developed industry in the city. Companies like Nassoch process cotton. Chevar and Guliston make clothes. The electrical and engineering industries are also important. Tajiktekstilmash makes products for farming and electricity. Tajikcable makes cables. The food processing industry is also big. It has wineries, dairies, and bakeries. Other industries include building materials, wood, and printing.

In 2014, the retail sector had 2.6 billion somoni in sales. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes sold services worth 296.6 million somoni.

Dushanbe is a capital for tourism in the Economic Cooperation Organization. It has over 40 hotels. Nine new modern hotels are being planned.

Many efforts have been made to promote tourism. These include festivals and new laws. Dushanbe became a member of the World Tourism Cities Federation. The Dushanbe Summer Fest is a popular event. However, Dushanbe is less popular for tourists than other parts of the country. This is because it is a newer city and has less ancient history. Museums in the city include the Tajikistan National Museum and the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments.

Dushanbe's Culture

Dushanbe's culture first grew under Bukharan rule. It developed more under the Soviet Union. Many cultural places were built then. After independence, Dushanbe's culture became more focused on Tajik identity.

Music and Performing Arts

In the 19th century, shashmaqam was the most popular music in Tajikistan. The Soviets tried to stop it, but it is popular again today.

During the Soviet period, the Soviet Union encouraged music in Dushanbe. The Tajik Philharmonic Society was founded in 1938. Many Russian and Ukrainian musicians moved to Dushanbe during World War II.

The Tajik Opera and Ballet Theater was founded in 1936. It was the first opera house in Dushanbe. The first opera performed was about a peasants' revolt.

Aleksandr Lensky was another musician who came to Dushanbe. He directed the Lahuti Theatre and the Tajik Philharmonic. He also wrote the first Tajik opera. The State Symphony Orchestra of Tajikistan was founded in 2016. The Tajik Opera and Ballet Theater still performs today.

The first ballet in Dushanbe was performed in 1941. The ballet group grew over time. The theater was updated in 2009.

Drama started in the city in the 1920s. The first theater, Lahouti, was built in 1929. In the 1930s, plays focused on Soviet ideas like class struggle. The Tajik Musical Theater was built in 1935. A comedy group was created in 1944.

After independence, plays focused on the civil war. Today, theaters include the Tajik Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the State Russian Drama Theater. The Mayakovsky Theatre was the oldest theater in Tajikistan. It was torn down in 2016.

Books and Writing

The first printing press in Tajikistan was created in August 1924. In 1925, 4 books were printed. This grew to 13 in 1926. In 1930, Sadriddin Ayni wrote the first Tajik novel. Publishing houses helped increase book production. In 2004, there were 30 publishing companies.

Dushanbe became the center of Tajik writing in the 1920s. Writers like Sadriddin Ayni and Abolqasem Lahouti were important. New Soviet literature called for revolution. Tajik nationalist literature also grew. Children's books and translated works also began.

During World War II, writing focused on patriotic themes. After the war, novels and poetry became more popular. Literary criticism also developed.

From the 1950s, historical stories became popular. In the 1960s, science fiction started with writers like Mirsaid Mirshakar. In the 1970s and 80s, themes of disorder became more common. After independence, forbidden topics like religion appeared in literature. Writers also wrote about the civil war.

Art in Dushanbe

Sculpture came to Dushanbe in the 1920s. During the Soviet period, it combined modern and classical styles. Modern sculptures often show historical figures. These include Firdavsi and Ismail Samani. They celebrate Tajik history and identity.

• Statues in Dushanbe
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  Statue of Rudaki

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  Statue of Omar Khayyam

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  Statue of Lenin

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  Statue of Avicenna

Painting in Dushanbe became popular when Russian painters moved there in the 1920s and 30s. By the 1950s, Tajik artists started to paint. In the 1960s, a "severe style" grew. In the 1970s and 80s, art focused on Tajik heritage and nationalism. During the civil war, art often showed themes of conflict.

Movies in Dushanbe

Movies in Dushanbe started in the 1930s. The Soviet government built film studios and cinemas. The first cinema opened in 1927. Komil Yarmatov was the first important Tajik film director. Documentaries were popular. The first full-length movie appeared in 1938.

During World War II, movie production stopped due to lack of supplies. After the war, more movies were made. Many showed what life was like in the city. In the 1980s, new filmmakers brought new ideas. They showed the truth about Soviet history. During the civil war, the movie industry changed a lot. Tajikfilm, the main film company, closed down. Independent filmmakers made movies about the civil war.

Sports in Dushanbe

Gymnastics, horse riding, and athletics were practiced in Dushanbe in 1923. Tennis was introduced in 1929. The All-Tajik Spartakiad (a sports festival) was first held in 1934. In 1939, Dynamo Dushanbe won a quarterfinal in the Soviet Cup. In 1950, the country's soccer team won first place in the Central Asian Games.

In 2003, Dushanbe hosted the Central Asian Games. The most popular sports in Dushanbe include sambo, wrestling, judo, karate, and football (soccer). Four soccer teams from the Tajikistan Higher League play in Dushanbe. These are CSKA Pamir, Dushanbe-83, Istiklol, and Lokomotiv-Pamir. The Pamir Stadium was built in 1939. A new stadium, Dushanbe Stadium, is being built. It will hold 30,000 people.

News and Media

Newspapers and Magazines

The first newspaper in Tajik was Bukhara Sharif. It was published in 1912. It aimed to spread knowledge and ideas. But it was closed down in 1913.

Oina and Mullo Nasreddin were early Tajik language magazines. The Zvezda Vostok magazine supported the October Revolution. The first Soviet newspaper in Tajikistan was Shulai Inkilob (Flame of the Revolution). It was propaganda for the Soviet government.

The first Soviet newspaper about the Red Army was Po basmachi in 1923. In 1924, Voice of the East was published in Dushanbe. It was a place for poetry and literature. In 1925, the official Soviet Tajik newspaper was Bedorii tochik (Awakening of the Tajiks).

In 1929, the newspaper Red Tajikistan started printing. In the 1930s, Komsomolets Tadzhikistana was a communist paper for young people. Many other newspapers were published. They often talked about collective farming.

During World War II, newspaper production was difficult. There were fewer newspapers. After the war, many newspapers from the 1930s started again. In the 1960s and 70s, Communist of Tajikistan became popular.

During perestroika, newspapers became more open. Komsomol of Tajikistan was one of the first. Farkhang, a new literary magazine, published banned Tajik and Islamic literature. Sukhan newspaper spoke about freedom of speech and democracy. The first private newspaper was Charogi Ruz, or Light of Day. Today, Charogi Ruz is known for criticizing the government.

In 1999, there were 199 newspapers. But only 17 appeared regularly. Some government newspapers are Dzhumhuriet and Narodna Gazeta. Private newspapers include Asia-Plus, which reports on politics and economy. In 2019, Dushanbe had 37 regular newspapers and 37 magazines.

Radio in Dushanbe

In 1924, a radio station was built in Dushanbe for military use. On April 10, 1930, the first radio broadcast for civilians was heard. It came from Moscow. It provided news and Soviet propaganda. Radios became more common in the country.

In 1977, local radio broadcasts could be sent from Dushanbe. This was thanks to a new Radio House. In 2000, Sadoi Dushanbe Radio was created. It is one of the four programs broadcast in Dushanbe today.

As of 1999, government radio was broadcast across the nation. Independent stations like Asia Plus radio also broadcast.

Television in Dushanbe

On November 7, 1959, the first television center was created. It was called the Tajik Television Studio. In 1967, programs from Moscow and Tashkent were broadcast. Color television was introduced on November 15, 1975.

As of 1999, 12 to 15 stations broadcast regularly. Many Russian language channels also broadcast. Today, more private television stations operate. There are 15 in the country. But there are still 7 state-owned channels.

International Connections

Sister Cities

Dushanbe has sister city relationships with many cities around the world:

In 1982, people from Boulder started an idea to make Dushanbe a sister city. This was during the Cold War. In 1987, the mayor of Dushanbe officially made Boulder a sister city. Students, tourists, and artists exchanged visits. The Tajik Teahouse was sent from Dushanbe to Boulder in 1990. During the civil war, Boulder sent help to Dushanbe.

International Meetings

Many international meetings have been held in Dushanbe. These include conferences on health and water. Dushanbe has also hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization conference in 2000, 2008, and 2014.

In 2003, Dushanbe hosted an International Forum on Fresh Water. Representatives from 50 countries and organizations attended.

In June 2018, a high-level meeting on "Water for Sustainable Development" was held in Dushanbe. Another meeting on this topic was planned for June 2020.

In June 2019, the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia took place in Dushanbe. Asian members discussed peace, security, terrorism, and economic development.

Images for kids

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  Bishkent culture

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  Vakhsh culture

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  Kara-Khanid Khanate

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  Greco-Bactria

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  National Museum of Tajikistan

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  Puppet Theater

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  National Museum of Antiquities

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  Rudaki Avenue

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  Dushanbe Flagpole

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  Mosque in Dushanbe

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  Cathedral in Dushanbe

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  Synagogue in Dushanbe

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  View of Dushanbe International Airport

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  Terminal of Dushanbe International Airport

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  Air Astana plane at Dushanbe International Airport

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  Statue of Rudaki

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  Statue of Omar Khayyam

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  Statue of Lenin

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  Statue of Avicenna

See also

In Spanish: Dusambé para niños