Tajikistan: Dushanbe

From Panjakent, we took a shared taxi to Dushanbe, capital and largest city of Tajikistan. It turned out to be a super scenic ride in the middle of the snow covered mountains. Then we went into an interminable tunnel that was not illuminated at all, full of potholes. We didn't realize until later that it was the infamous Anzob Tunnel, dubbed as the "Tunnel of Death" - at 2600 m.a.s.l. bypassing a 3500m pass, 5km long - we were not expecting such a thrilling ride.















Dushanbe is another one of those places that rose significantly during Soviet time. While the most significant Soviet buildings remain, the rest of the city is getting a major makeover. It seems half of the world's construction cranes are working in Dushanbe (1st below). Many of the construction companies look to be Chinese. BTW, Dushanbe also has a fleet of new electric taxis and buses (2nd below). According to World Bank statistics, Tajikistan would be the poorest country we have ever visited. I only wish all the poor countries were this functional.





Soviet State Circus (сирк)


Soviet-built Apartments




Soviet Mosaics, Murals, and Monuments.












An even bigger surprise awaiting us in Dushanbe were tulips. There were tulips everywhere, millions. We have been to Holland during tulip season and Floriade (an international flower festival, every 10 years). Dushabe had more. Besides, in Holland the flowering tulips were mostly behind paywalls. In Dushanbe, tulips were planted where other cities would have pansies. We couldn't comprehend such extravagance until John looked it up - tulips are native to the Pamir and Tianshan mountains in Central Asia. It was the Ottomans that cultivated and introduced them to Europe.



















Dushanbe Railway Station (Душанбе вокзал)


Night Lights.


Opera House Fountain


Rohat Tea House


Hotel Avesto


Green Bazaar