Tajikistan

Tajikistan is officially a republic, and holds elections for the presidency and parliament, operating under a presidential system.

Tajikistan is located in the heart of Central Asia. The country’s territory covers 142.6 square kilometers. Mountains with an average elevation of more than 3000 meters above sea level cover 93% of the area. It shares borders with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kirgiz Republic to the west and north, the People’s Republic of China to the east, and Afghanistan to the south.

Tajikistan has typically been positioned in global source markets as a destination along the Central Asian Silk Road. Tajikistan’s unique selling point (USP) in the context of the region is its mountainous terrain, combined with its pristine environment, mountain culture, including flora and fauna, and cultural heritage.

Language: Tajik
Currency: Somoni
Capital City: Dushanbe
Population: 10 million

History

The modern history of this mountainous and hospitable country dates back to October 16, 1929, when the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic was formed. Tajikistan is centrally located in the inner part of the vast continental massif of Eurasia. The capital, Dushanbe, until 1961 was called Stalinabad, before reverting back to its historical name of Dushanbe, which means “Monday” in Tajik. Tajikistan received its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Before the Soviet era, the Republic of Tajikistan experienced population changes that brought political and cultural influences from Asia and the Middle East. The conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century B.C.E. , led to the founding of Khujand and Panjakent. Under the Sassanians (third century C.E. ), the Persian language and culture and the Zoroastrian religion spread throughout the region. Conversion to Islam began in the seventh century. By the ninth century, it was the prevalent religion.

After the Uzbeki nomadic tribes conquered Central Asia, the future Tajikistan was divided into three states: the Uzbek-ruled Bukhara Khanate, the Kokand Khanate, in the Fergana Valley, and the kingdom of Afghanistan. These states lasted until the nineteenth century, when they were gradually overtaken by traders and settlers from the Russian Empire. In 1925, Tajikistan became an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan. In 1929, it was detached from Uzbekistan and given full status as a republic.

The current Tajik Republic harkens to the Samanid Empire (AD 875-999). The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860. Tajikistan became an autonomous Soviet socialist republic within Uzbekistan in 1924; “Basmachi” resistance in the wake of the Russian Revolution of 1917 was quelled in 1925, and Tajikistan became one of the component Soviet socialist republics in 1929 called Tadzhik SSR from 1936 to 1991.

Tajikistan gained independence in 1991, and has experienced three changes in government and a civil war since then. A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 1997 but its implementation has progressed.

Geography and Nature

The territory of Tajikistan occupies 142 000 km² , with a dramatic topography and relief, stretching for 700km from west to east and 350km from north to south. With elevation changes from 300 to 7495m throughout the country, Tajikistan shares borders with the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kirgiz Republic to the west and north, the People’s Republic of China to the east, and Afghanistan to the south.

Tajikistan’s biodiversity is rich enough. According to recent data, over 13,000 animal species and 4,500 varieties of floral vegetation have been identified. More than 80% of the country’s existing biodiversity is found in Tajikistan’s mountain ecosystems. The livelihoods of over 70% of Tajikistan’s population are dependent on the use of country’s natural resources.

In Tajikistan, special protected natural areas cover 22% of the territory. These areas include four reserves, encompassing 1734 square kilometers; 13 reserves; 24 farms for hunting and fishing; and three parks, including the Tajik National Park (26,000 square kilometers), the Shirkent Natural-Historical Park, and the Sari-Khosor Natural Park Parks and nature reserves’ unique ecosystems, landscapes, and habitats are well preserved at the “Zorkul,” “Romit”, “Mozkul,” “Dashti Jum,” Zarafshon, “Iskandarkul”, “Nurek, “Childukhtaron,” “Sangvor,” “Mozkul,” “Oktash,” and “Karatau” and areas of Tajik National Park. The markhor goat (Capra falconeri), mountain argali (Marco Polo), the Bukhara mountain sheep (Urial), Bukhara deer (Cervus hanglubactrianus), the snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Tian Shan brown bear, Ursus arctos isabellinus, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), andThe bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) are just a few of the rare, endangered species of animals that have been protected.

Thanks to its complex mountain relief, there are still many areas of Tajikistan that are untouched by civilization. Thus, mountain tours in Tajikistan will allow you to enjoy real, wild natural habitats.

Economy

Tajikistan is an agro-industrial country with rich mineral resources. At present, more than 400 deposits have been discovered. More than 100 are actively mined producing up to 40 types of mineral raw materials, both fuel and ore minerals. In terms of coal reserves, Tajikistan occupies a leading position in Central Asia (up to 4 billion tons of geological reserves). There are also many deposits of zinc, lead, bismuth, molybdenum, tungsten, gold, antimony, mercury, fluorspar, as well as natural gas and oil.

The country’s main exports are aluminum, electricity, cotton, agricultural products, with the highest grossing areas of mining, electricity and tourism. Of the jewelry and ornamental stones, turquoise, lapis lazuli, amethyst, rauchtopaz, rock and crystals are of practical importance; precious stones include topaz, rubellite, polychrome tourmaline, aquamarine, garnet, ruby, etc., all which can be purchased in the jewlery shops throughout the country.

Considering the enormous potential of the resources following the areas of agriculture and energy, Tajikistan views tourism to be one of its main economic priorities. As a fastest growing industry tourism offers great opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries. It creates
jobs, strengthens the local economy, contributes to local infrastructure development and can help to conserve the natural environment and cultural assets and traditions.

To encourage investment in the tourism industry, the government adopted regulations in 2017 exempting registered enterprises for 5 years from corporate income tax as well as exempting all imported equipment and supplies from value added tax.

The government of Tajikistan’s tourist policy framework shows a strong desire to develop the industry and support it through the legislative process.

People and Culture

The mountains of Tajikistan are famous for their hospitable inhabitants. It is customary for them to invite visitors to their home for tea, and even to stay with them overnight. On the days of the spring holiday of Navruz, such invitations can be extended up to ten guests at a time, with a large feast in any teahouse completely free of charge. The culture of Tajikistan has centuries-old and strong ties with Iran and Uzbekistan, as well as with the Pamirs and Russia, and is a unique symbiosis of the traditions of the peoples living on the territory of the republic.

The Tajik identity and culture dates back several thousand years, and tajik language belongs to
the Western Iranian language group. Muslim people make up the large majority of the population, which has influenced several aspects of culture, including art, food, music, and festivals. The Tajik people are regarded for being hospitable, friendly, and family-oriented.

Across the country, there is still a vibrant lasting impression of folk art, particularly in the production of textiles, embroidery, and other functional decorative arts like carving, furniture, and jewelry.

Important Dates

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• 8 March: International Women’s Day
• 21–23 March: Navruz (can change slightly each year)
• 1 May: International Labour Day
• 9 May: Victory Day
• 27 June: National Unity Day
• 9 September: Independence Day
• 6 November: Constitution Day