Dushanbe is an interesting city and the capital of Tajikistan. The name of this city means “Monday”. Dushanbe is not only a political but also a cultural and economic heart of the country. Modern high-rise buildings peacefully coexist with public areas where local chefs make fragrant pilaf, the scent of which spreads on the streets. When taking a stroll on local streets, it is easy to see elders with gray beards who spend all their free time in teahouses enjoying the popular drink. Perhaps, the most amazing of them all – tourists can still see farmers riding donkeys among cars and buses on the streets of Dushanbe. According to the official historical records, Dushanbe was founded in the 17th century. At that time, there was a kishlak on the site of the city. This kishlak had the same name as the modern capital of Tajikistan. This was a small settlement that emerged on the crossing of trading routes. Every Monday, a big and quite noisy bazaar opened in the kishlak. Perhaps, this is the reason why the settlement got its name. Until 1917, the settlement was a part of East Bukhara. At that time, this was a small province, which life changed drastically only in the 20s of the previous century. Hiding from the Bolsheviks, the Emir of Bukhara discovered this small settlement in 1920 and decided to stay there, turning it into his private residence. Soon after that, the Red Army appeared in the region and changed its life. The Emir had to leave the town in 1921. The
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The Hisor Fortress is a very interesting historic landmark. The first protective construction was erected on this site approximately 2,500 years ago. According to historic data, the fortress that we can see now was built in the 16th century by order of a Bukhara Emir. During several centuries, the fortress was a residence of rulers. Unfortunately, only the main gate and fragments of the walls have survived until our days.
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