What Is The Capital Of Tajikistan?

The capital city of Tajikistan is called Dushanbe. The name means Monday in the local Tajik dialect. Traditionally, every Monday the locals met to conduct trade in the region. Gradually the town developed into the capital city and officially retained the name. It is located near Rivers Varzob and Kafenion.

History of Dushanbe

Dushanbe has evolved from a small village market to a capital city in the last century. Initially known as “Dyushambe,” the city was the home of the Khanate of Bukhara before fleeing to Afghanistan to avoid the Red Army. After the Red Forces took over the area, civilization began with railway construction by the Soviet. Farming activities, among them cotton and silk growing, was introduced by the Soviet Union, attracting many immigrants to the city. There was a conducive atmosphere for trade, though this was interrupted in 1990 after word spread that Russia was planning to bring in some refugees from Armenia. Riots and protests led to the destruction of the infrastructure between 1992 and 1997 during the civil war. The riots dwarfed the growth of the city.

Economy and Demographics

The city is in one of the poorest countries in the former Soviet countries. The five-year war between 1992 and 1997 led to the destruction of property and scared away investors. Revenue from the agricultural sector encouraged rural-urban migration leading to congestion and poverty in the city. Industrialization is not well established since there is no reliable power. The government is trying to promote tourism through the construction of modern malls, theatres, and hotels. Commuting across the city is by unreliable public transport. Nevertheless, the streets have no traffic jams and available parking is plenty.

Population growth has been rapid in the last twenty years due to peace and investments made by Russia. The city has over 800,000 people of which the Tajiks make up to 75%. Other than Tajik, Russian is also used a major language. Islam is the dominant religion. The city is home to people of different nationalities due to the humanitarian organizations that camped there during the war.

Administration in Dushanbe

The city is managed by the mayor. Dushanbe is also the administrative center of the country. It hosts the state house, the parliament, and offices of international bodies. The head office of the ruling party (People’s Democratic Party) is located in the city. This building is called the Vahdat Palace.

Places to Visit in Tajikistan's Capital City

There are places that are a must visit when traveling to this growing city. These places include the National Museum, The Dushanbe Zoo, and attractive physical features such as Lake Alexander, the Fann Mountains, the Rudaki Statue, and the Boghi Poytakht Park.

The Future of Dushanbe

The city has been the focus of the government since independence in 1991. Many investments have been done, especially infrastructural developments including roads, airport, and hotels. The government has improved security and reduced the corporate tax to encourage investors. The city's mayor is focusing on job creation through empowering small and micro enterprises. The city is also host to modern electronics and textile making corporations.