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Must-see attractions in Dushanbe

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    Rudaki Park and the monument to the poet Muhammad Rudaki in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

    Rudaki Park

    Dushanbe

    Extensive Rudaki Park, with its beautiful canopy of mature trees, offers a series of pathways through flower gardens and alongside lakes and fountains…

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    The statue of Ismoil Somoni in the central square of Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

    Statue of Ismoil Somoni

    Dushanbe

    One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. With an art-deco quality to…

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    Ethnography Museum

    Dushanbe

    Sharing the same complex as the National Museum of Antiquities, this small museum houses an exquisite collection of traditional Tajikistan clothing …

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    Hisor Fortress, Hissor, Tajikistan.

    Hissar Fort

    Dushanbe

    Pictured on the 20TJS banknote and just 30km west of Dushanbe, the remains of this 18th-century fort make for an interesting day trip from the capital…

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    Statue of the famous Persian poet Rudaki in Rudaki Park.

    Rudaki Statue

    Dushanbe

    Beneath an impressive arc of blue mosaic stars, the nation's most revered poet, Rudaki, is honoured here at the heart of the central park named after him…

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    National Museum

    Dushanbe

    Tajikistan's national museum is housed in an impressive modern building with an elliptical roof and giant atrium. The collection encompasses three main…

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    Nurek Reservoir

    Dushanbe

    Nurek Reservoir is 70km long and the world's second highest dam. Its remarkable opal-blue water, set within a pastoral landscape and edged with mountains,…

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    Gurminj Museum

    Dushanbe

    Hidden within a private family compound behind unmarked green gates is a precious collection of antique musical instruments originating from across…

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    Bayrak

    Dushanbe

    Built to commemorate 20 years of independence, the world's second tallest flagpole stands at 165m and is the centrepiece of Dushanbe's central ensemble of…

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    World's Biggest Teahouse

    Dushanbe

    This vast festival of modern architecture, based on traditional architectural design and encompassing some exquisite national motifs, is used for the…

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    Parchan

    Dushanbe

    Crowning the fountain-filled thoroughfare outside the National Library, this national monument was built to commemorate Tajikistan's independence. Cast…

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    Victory Park

    Dushanbe

    With the best views over the city, this hilltop park makes a tranquil spot in which to enjoy a shaded stroll. The park encompasses a well-kept WWII…

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    Botanical Gardens

    Dushanbe

    The extensive Botanical Gardens, with its Persepolis-inspired gateway, is home to a fine collection of mature deciduous trees (labelled in Latin) and…

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    Palace of the President

    Dushanbe

    This attractive Soviet-style building with a courtyard of fountains is closed to visitors but makes a useful reference point for navigating in the centre…

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    Shah Mansur Bazaar

    Dushanbe

    The Shah Mansur Bazaar, known in English as the 'Green Bazaar', is the heartbeat of Dushanbe trade and a great place to gain a sense of local life in the…

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    Bactria Centre

    Dushanbe

    Language classes available in Russian and Persian are available at this cultural centre, together with concerts, art exhibitions and a showroom of…

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    Palace of Nations

    Dushanbe

    This grand modern building, dubbed locally as the White House, is the official seat of the president of Tajikistan. Although closed to the public, its…

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    Varzob Reservoir

    Dushanbe

    This small lake in the middle of the Varzob Valley is a half-hour drive (30km) north of Dushanbe. The whole river valley is dotted with chaikhanas and…

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    Writers’ Union Building

    Dushanbe

    Tajikistan’s Persian past is invoked in the facade of the Writers’ Union Building. Adorned with sculpted-stone figures of Sadruddin Ayni, Omar Khayam,…

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    Big Wheel

    Dushanbe

    Though it was not functioning at the time of writing, this big wheel nevertheless makes a useful landmark – not to be confused with the smaller working…

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    Gusgarf Waterfall

    Dushanbe

    Close to Dushanbe, this 30m-high, single-drop waterfall is one of the most striking in the Varzob Valley. A walking route (8km, two to three hours) leads…

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    Tajik State Pedagogical University

    Dushanbe

    Established in 1931, this is one of Tajikistan's top higher education institutions. For visitors, its pale blue, neoclassical facade makes a useful…

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    National Library

    Dushanbe

    Opened in 2011 and constructed to resemble an open book, this US$40 million archive is reputed to be Central Asia's biggest library. It makes an…

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    WWII Tank Monument

    Dushanbe

    This monument commemorates the veterans who participated in the victory over Nazi Germany in June 1945.