Weather in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Weather in Dushanbe


 Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a former Soviet republic in Asia minor. The country is surrounded by China to the east, Afghanistan to the south, Kyrgystan to the north and Uzbekistan to the north and east. In 1991 Tajikistan gained its independence from Russia. After five years of civil war, a peace treaty was signed in 1997. The country has factually been ready for a leap towards a better future since 2000. The problems encountered by the neighbouring country Afghanistan can have a positive impact on the developments in Tajikistan. Jobs are being created, and the overall stability will increase. Tajikistan is taking first steps in order to become a member of the World Trade Organisation and has already joined the NATO.  Since 2004 positive travel recommendations are being made.
The untouched nature is overwhelming, and the slopes of the Pamir mountain range, covered with virgin snow and known as the "Roof of the World", by far exceed those of the Alps. Peaks higher than 7000 meters are not uncommon. The flowering plains, the many lakes, breathtaking sights and imposing glaciers make up this old Central Asian country. Culturally, Tajikistan also has a lot to offer: unique artwork, ancient culture and exciting towns and villages, where the people literally are a unity. Tourism is still unknown, and it is very interesting to see the local eating habits, hygiene standards, the less developed infrastructure and the differing habits and local customs.  The country is very mountainous. About half of the country lies more than 3000 meters above sea level. The mountain ridges, scarcely overgrown due to draught, stretch out east to west through the country and belong to the Tian- Pamir mountain range.
The mountains of Pamir are foothills of the Himalayas. The highest peaks of the country are Peak Samanid and Peak Lenin, which are 7.495m and 7.127m high respectively. Peak Samanid only got it's original name back in 1999. In many maps and travel guides the old Soviet name is still being used: "Peak Communism" ( or "Pik Kommoenizma").The lower plains of the country can be found in the southwest and north. In the mountains there are many glaciers which are the origin of the many springs and rivers.The most important rivers cutting through the country are the Syr Darja, the Pjandsj and the Amu Darja, which both ultimately flow into the Aral sea. The south border to Afghanistan is mainly formed by the Amu Darja and the Pandsj. At an altitude of 3.263 meters lies "Lake Sarez", measuring 55.8km in length, 3.3km in width and holding a 16.074 km3 volume of water. 
This lake is a result of an earthquake in 1911 and 15 years of ongoing rock fall. To be able to predict such a natural disaster as well as possible, a system of sensors has been introduced, which, with the help of satellite navigation, monitors seismic activity, water pressure, wind speed and rock movements, so that eventual precautionary measures can be taken in time. With Alexander the Great in around 400 B.C. the first Europeans came to this part of the world.He was the one to erect the cities that still stand today. Tajikistan also lies along the Silk Route with many beautiful temple ruins. Tajikistan is further known for the old religion Zoroastrianism.
Tajikistan is 3,5 times bigger than the Netherlands, is however less densely populated, with only 41 inhabitants per kilometre squared. The Tajik settle in the valleys, and make a poor living from small scale extensive farming and cattle breeding. The life in the country is hard and the days are long. Anything is for sale along the way.  Besides plane and helicopter, the bus and car are the main means of transportation, although the horse is taking over when it comes to bad roads, high mountains and deep valleys. Tajikistan has abundant water resources, one can speak of the Blue Gold. At the moment for many in the countryside flowing water is considered a luxury.
The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe, situated in the Hisor Valley, is not even a hundred years old. In 1924 the city was planned and built on the spot where the Red Army had destroyed a village. The village was called Dushanbe Bazaar, which means "monday market" in Persian. Later the name was shortened to Dushanbe (monday), spelled “Doesjanbe” in Dutch. The city has been expanded as capital of Tajikistan, that at first was an autonomous republic within UzbekistaThe market (bazaar) is one of the highlights.n, a Soviet republic since 1929 and independent since 1991. From 1929 to 1961 the city was called Stalinabad. Dushanbe is an important centre of the cotton industry. A friendly centre with old, run-down suburbs and even western buildings here and there. The park and the communist architecture astonish everyone. Many eateries with hospitable natives always ready, spring from the ground.

The market (bazaar) is one of the highlights. There are thousands of things to buy, and it is a pleasure to walk around. Other places worth seeing are Mughrab with it's glaciers, as well as Penjikent, Khojent and Korog. Sanatoria, thermal springs, lakes and mountain summits are plentiful. It were the Dutch who opened the first supermarket "Holland supermarket M&P" in Dushanbe (1995) and a year later the first commercial was born. There is good business progress in "Holland Trade Centre" in Tajikistan, "Tadzjikistan Trade Centre" in the Netherlands, and Arjan Erkel is very busy setting up his travel agency "Tadzjikistan Travel", which lets the first tourists enjoy the country in 2006.