Exploring Dushanbe

We had a walking tour this morning and the highlight was visiting the Museum of Antiquities. It’s home to the famous 13-metre, five tonne Sleeping Buddha/Buddha in Nirvana from the 7th century. It did not disappoint.

From there we carried on to Ismail Somoni Square and Rudaki Park where we’d wandered on our own yesterday. Next we saw the National Library which is designed in shape of an open book. Then, on to Flag Park, home to one of the tallest flags in the world (165 m).

Once the tour was over, we were free to go off and explore on our own. Brad and I and four of our travel companions decided to stay in the area and walk further to Independence Square. Completed in 2022, the square’s tower stands 121 metres tall with an enormous crown capping the top. It’s said to be a gift from the Chinese commemorating 31 years of friendship with Tajikistan and honouring the 30th anniversary (in 2021) of Tajikistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

It was a huge disappointment to arrive there and be told that the tower is currently closed and wouldn’t reopen until later today. Probably has something to do with the meetings taking place in the city.

The six of us had lunch and strolled back to our hotel for a rest before heading out in the evening for dinner and returning to Independence Square. A short cab ride and we were back at the Square which was beautifully lit. We went to the top of the tower for a wonderful 360 view of the city and its array of lit buildings. Lighting is a serious business here.

Once we’d had enough of the chilly tower we went back down to the lower floors where there were artifacts as well as art. Not surprisingly, the president featured prominently. As did his son who happens to be the mayor of Dushanbe. 🤦‍♀️Read more