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In Dushanbe, you can escape the metropolis. The city doesn’t rush, life flows leisurely and dignified. You can escape the competitive brightness of advertisements vying for your money, the crowds of people running errands, the excess of information, and the abundance of serious people with laptops in cafes.
At the same time, everything you need to live is available. There are parks, supermarkets, pharmacies (the number of which is simply astonishing), banks, theaters, and museums. It’s not much, but it’s more than enough.
And the stunning view of the mountains surrounding Dushanbe adds to the relaxation and serenity. The mountains have been calmly looking at what is happening around them for many thousands of years and seem to remind you that it’s not worth rushing, it’s better to admire the amazing beauty that is near.
Charisma, or at least nostalgia, adds numerous greetings from the USSR. Soviet playgrounds in courtyards, inspiring inscriptions on house roofs “Long live the friendship of peoples!”, Soviet architecture, small children walking calmly on their own, milk product sellers advertising their products early in the morning in the courtyards – all this, like a time machine, takes us back to the past. Of course, all of this is outdated, but there is something warm and pleasant about all these moments. Probably these are memories of childhood, which is nice to return to for a day.
History
Dushanbe has been the capital for about 100 years. The city once arose on the site of kishlaks located at the intersection of trade routes, and its name translates as “Monday”. The city was built during the Soviet era, but with an eastern flavor. Now the city is actively being built. Literally at every step either a new building or construction in full swing.
Transportation
Dushanbe is a city of pedestrians and motorists. If there aren’t many people on the streets, then there are a lot of cars, on the contrary. It is said that there is currently a real car boom in the city. Almost every family has a car. Locals say that cars are relatively cheap by Russian standards. And how can you do without it, if there is only trolleybuses and buses in public transportation (the latter can even be two-story).
Taxis are also abundant and are very cheap, and can even be caught by hand. For example, it costs about $ 2-2.5 (20-25 somoni) to get from the airport to the city center. During rush hour, traffic jams often occur, so take this into account if you are late for something.
People
Tajiks are very hospitable, calm and kind people. They are always ready to help visitors, both in words and in deeds. For example, they often offer to feed them. Women are friendly and calm. Many wear traditional clothing and headscarves, which also adds to the charm and charisma of Dushanbe.
In the house where we lived, Tajik neighbors would come in and treat us to a traditional dish of pilaf. If you are in line with a child, they will definitely offer you to go first. The streets of Dushanbe are completely safe and calm. There is no pressure in either trade or life from the locals.
Where to live
There are hotels and hostels in Dushanbe, but the choice of budget hotels is very small for the capital. The best option may be to stay in an apartment. The rent for a one-room apartment starts at 2500 somoni (about $250), and a three-room apartment can be rented for 4000 somoni ($400).
What to do in Dushanbe
Walking around Dushanbe is pleasant. There are wide spacious streets, museums, theaters, cinemas. There are not many entertainment options for children, but there is a circus and the Loutak puppet theater. There are not many playgrounds in the city, and only modern ones can be found in parks. There are many diverse cafes, from fast food to the famous Rohat tea house, which is listed as one of the best tea houses in the world.
There are well-known brands such as KFC and Dodo Pizza. There are many very beautiful and Eastern monumental parks for walks – the Rudaki park, the National Flag park, the Botanical Garden, the Istikloliya park. The city itself is also quite green, with many trees, decorative palms, and subtropical vegetation.
And if city life is not appealing, you can always go to the mountains. There are many mountain trips offered in local chats, with different routes and durations.
Internet
If you work remotely, there’s disappointment waiting for you here. The internet in Dushanbe, unfortunately, is weak. This is the only factor that could prevent you from living here long-term, especially if your work is online.
Climate
Subtropical continental climate. The ideal time to visit Dushanbe is autumn or spring. Usually, the temperature during this period is +18…+23°C. Winter is similar to a warm Moscow autumn or spring. For example, in January, it was +10…+15°C. It gets cold occasionally, but rarely. Snow is a rarity altogether. Summer is very hot.
Quick facts:
- The population of Dushanbe is 1.2 million people.
- The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours.
- 90% of the country’s territory is mountainous.
- The population of the country is 10 million people.
- Religion is Islam.
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