Tajikistan Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

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Osaka Expo 2025

Bold Pavilions, Big Statements: Central Asia at Osaka Expo 2025

On a sweltering August day, The Times of Central Asia arrived at the Osaka Expo 2025. The theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," set the stage for a carnival of new ideas and technology. Pavilions buzzed with invention, each one a world of its own. Central Asia turned heads - with all five countries represented - with vibrant stalls, bustling booths, and grand castle-like showpieces that drew crowds from every corner. [caption id="attachment_35420" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Kazakhstan Pavilion; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Kazakhstan’s pavilion presents the theme “Born Bold” in the “Connecting Lives” zone, alongside South Korea, Germany, Luxembourg, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Iran, Monaco, and Türkiye. At its heart rises the shanyrak, the sacred crown of the yurt, once a symbol of roots and now a beacon of unity, mirroring the Expo’s spirit of innovation and shared horizons. The story begins with the essence of the Kazakh people. Generations, history, culture, and traditions unfold from the Kazakh Khanate and the vast steppe to Abai’s poetry and the nation’s sporting heroes. It is a narrative of memory and strength, where the past is not closed, but carried forward as a living value. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/KZ1-REMOVE-AUDIO-Videobolt.net_.mp4"][/video] From history, the focus shifts to unity. Every guest becomes part of the experience as their face is woven into a digital mosaic, a vivid symbol of belonging. Interactive technologies present Kazakhstan as a country where diversity does not divide but connects. From past to present, the spotlight then falls on a Kazakhstan that is inventive and future-ready. Visitors explore the country’s energy transition, green initiatives, digitalization, and work in artificial intelligence, alongside its rise as an investment hub. [caption id="attachment_35413" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Prolonging life - ALEM at the EXPO; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The final chapter places pride and place on the groundbreaking ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine) developed by Kazakh scientists. Created by the Heart Center Foundation, it is already redefining the possibilities of transplantation. The window for organ transplants is short, from just a few hours for a heart or lungs to more than a day for a kidney. ALEM changes the game. By replicating the body’s internal conditions, it can keep a donor heart alive for 24 hours, opening new possibilities. Only a few models currently exist, including the one on display in the pavilion. [caption id="attachment_35414" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Turkmenistan Pavilion; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] The Turkmenistan Pavilion dazzles with three lavish floors beneath an iconic, rounded-triangular ceiling that symbolizes circulation, sustainability, and the flow of life. On the ground level, an epic immersive video left the Japanese audience gasping as it honored Turkmenistan’s great men, legendary horses, and loyal dogs, while women appeared only in fleeting roles. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TK1.mp4"][/video] The second-floor shifts to the present, celebrating modern achievements, from the smart city of Arkadag to advances in industry, finance, and science. The space unfolds as an eclectic mix of books, jewelry, rugs, and even everyday objects like bottles of oil. At its center, a glowing...

TCA Interviews

Nigora Fazliddin: The Social Media Storyteller Bringing Life in Tajikistan to the World

For all its beauty and Silk Road history, Tajikistan remains one of the least visited countries on earth. Life in its epic mountain ranges is rarely captured by photographers, and documentary films are few and far between – mainly half-hearted vlogs by the foreigners who pass through on the Pamir Highway. But in recent years, one Tajik filmmaker and travel influencer has made it her mission to show both her own people and the wider world what makes her homeland so extraordinary. Nigora Fazliddin, a former journalist from Dushanbe, is part of a new generation of creators using social media to bridge cultural distances. Posting simple videos and photographs from her journeys in Tajikistan, she captures the landscapes and communities that outsiders, and even many Tajiks, rarely get to see. "This love I have for our land – its wild beauty, its silence, its soul – I try to share with others," she tells The Times of Central Asia. "On X I mostly reach an international audience, since it's not very popular in Tajikistan. But on Instagram, it's a different story. That’s where Tajiks find me, and where I find them." [caption id="attachment_35211" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image: Nigora Fazliddin[/caption] One of her favorite discoveries, she says, is Shirkent National Park in the south-west of the country, where fossilized dinosaur footprints mark the earth. "It gives you goosebumps to stand there and imagine creatures walking those same paths millions of years ago," she adds. Then there are the Pamirs, often called “the roof of the world.” At 7,495 meters, Peak Somoni attracts mountaineers from Central Asia and further afield. The region is also home to the rare Marco Polo sheep and shaggy yaks, which are found only here. But what lingers most for Fazliddin is not the challenge of climbing or the sight of wildlife, but the solitude of valleys so remote that no car can reach them. She also cherishes journeys into the Yaghnob Gorge, where people still live as their ancestors did. There she met a shepherd in his seventies, Mirzoali, who has spent four decades with his flock among the peaks. "He told me, “I’ve been a shepherd for 40 years – and I never get tired of it.’” His secret? Clean air, peace, a healthy routine – and living in the mountains year-round. That’s the kind of wisdom you can only find in the mountains," she says. [caption id="attachment_35209" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image: Nigora Fazliddin[/caption] What Fazliddin shares online is more than travel content. For many Tajiks, especially those in cities, her images bring new perspectives to familiar places. "My Instagram has become like a mirror where people can see themselves, their roots, and the beauty they grew up with – but may have never really looked at," she explains. The responses have been moving. Her social media followers now invite her to visit their villages. For Fazliddin, these moments confirm that her work is worth doing: "It makes me feel like what I do matters – even in...

Archaeology

Ancient Water Pipeline Unearthed on 65-Meter Hill in Tajikistan

Archaeologists in Tajikistan have uncovered a remarkable ancient water pipeline system atop a 65-meter hill at the Mugtepa settlement, believed to have been constructed approximately 1,500 years ago. The site, towering above the city at the height of a modern twenty-storey building, once hosted fortresses of the rulers of Uratyube across various historical periods. For nearly three decades, however, the archaeological site remained neglected. Construction in 2017-2018 further compromised its integrity, leading many to assume its secrets were lost forever. That changed in the summer of 2025, when an expedition from the Department of Archaeology, Ethnography, and Religious Studies at Khujand State University, led by Professor Nabijon Rakhimov, began new excavations. The project, supported by staff from the Kalai Mug Historical and Cultural Complex under Mirzo Olimov, proceeded without official funding but succeeded thanks to the contributions of students and specialists. Between June 18 and July 18, the team examined three segments of the aqueduct system. Water was drawn from a spring at the base of a nearby hill and transported via ceramic pipes known as kuburs, each approximately 40 cm in length. The pipes were joined using waterproof alabaster mortar and laid in trenches 85 cm wide and 20 cm deep. Small pools, or hauzes, were found along the route, likely used for water collection. All components of the system were uniformly manufactured, suggesting the existence of specialized production workshops. Unearthing Everyday Life In soil layers dating to the 5th to 8th centuries, researchers discovered pottery, stone grain grinders, and spindle whorls, evidence of a thriving agricultural and textile economy. Deeper strata revealed artifacts from earlier eras, ranging from the 1st-3rd centuries CE to the Achaemenid and Hellenistic periods (6th-1st centuries BCE). Notable finds included fragments of tall-stemmed goblets, cup-shaped vessels, and red-slip bowls. “Archaeological monuments are not just stones and shards; they are material evidence of our history. Without protection and careful treatment, they can disappear,” said Rakhimov. The team now plans to petition the Agency for the Protection of Monuments under the Government of Tajikistan to secure official support for continued excavations and preservation efforts at Mugtepa. Other Significant Finds in the Region This discovery follows several notable archaeological breakthroughs in Tajikistan in recent years. In 2023, a 7th-century sewer system was uncovered in Istaravshan by architect Amindjonov Khomid and Professor Rakhim Nabiev. The structure, approximately 1,300 years old, highlights the advanced engineering of the period. A rare 6th-century jug, made of concrete and coated in clay, was found nearby. In May 2025, archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan discovered a Kushan-era clay vessel near the village of Sarband, inscribed in the Bactrian language. The inscription read, “This water jug belongs to a woman named Sagkina,” offering a rare glimpse into ancient literacy and social life. And in November 2024, an international team led by Professor Yossi Zeidner of the Hebrew University reported the discovery of artifacts dating back 150,000 years at the Soyi Khavzak site in the Zeravshan Valley. Finds included stone tools, animal bones,...

Tourism

Switzerland to Help Tajikistan Promote Tourism Globally

A meeting in Geneva has set the stage for closer cooperation between Tajikistan and leading Swiss tourism organizations to promote its tourism potential internationally. Expanding Tajikistan’s global presence Deputy Chairman of the Tajik Tourism Development Committee Ziyodullo Salimzoda and Tajik Ambassador to Switzerland Sharaf Sheralizoda held talks with Geneva Tourism Office Director General Adrien Genier, as well as executives from Swiss companies Trade Wings Voyages and Executive Travel. Discussions focused on increasing Tajikistan’s visibility in the global tourism market. Proposals included organizing presentations of Tajik tourist routes in Switzerland, launching advertising campaigns, and participating in specialized international tourism events. Tourism as an economic driver Both sides emphasized the importance of attracting foreign investment to modernize tourism infrastructure, develop the hotel sector, and create jobs. “Tajikistan is known for its unique nature and hospitality, as well as the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the highest and most picturesque roads in the world,” noted Primus Publishing, a Swiss media outlet specializing in travel content. Officials expressed confidence that cooperation with Swiss partners will help increase foreign traveler interest in Tajikistan and strengthen bilateral economic ties. Partners with global expertise Trade Wings Voyages is a well established Swiss travel company offering premium business and leisure services worldwide. Executive Travel, based in Geneva, specializes in customized itineraries and full-service travel arrangements. Both companies have signaled their readiness to include Tajikistan in their travel programs and promote it across the European market. Following the meeting, participants agreed to pursue long-term initiatives, including cultural exchanges and joint promotional campaigns. This partnership could mark a shift from isolated marketing efforts to a coordinated, sustained promotion of Tajikistan as a distinctive destination for international travelers.

Archaeology

Archaeologists in Tajikistan Uncover 7th-Century Sewer System

Archaeologists in Istaravshan, in Tajikistan's northwestern Sughd region, have unearthed a remarkably well preserved sewer system dating back to the 7th century AD. The discovery was announced by architect and excavation participant Amindjon Khomid. The system was first uncovered in 2023 in the Kala-i-Mugh area during work conducted jointly with Professor Rakhim Nabiev, Doctor of Historical Sciences from Khujand. Ancient Engineering in Istaravshan Preliminary estimates place the sewer system’s age at around 1,300 years. Geological studies suggest even older cultural layers may lie beneath, potentially dating to the 1st century AD and as far back as five millennia. During excavations, archaeologists also found ceramic jugs from the 3rd and 6th centuries, as well as earlier eras. One 6th-century jug was made of concrete and lined with clay on the inside, an unusually advanced technology for its time. Khomid noted that the design and condition of the artifacts point to a high level of ancient engineering skill. Unique Jug from Khalkajjar As reported by The Times of Central Asia, earlier this year, archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan uncovered another significant artifact at the Khalkajjar monument near the village of Sarband. In May 2025, they discovered a clay vessel bearing a complete inscription in the Bactrian language, dating to the Kushan Empire (1st-3rd centuries). The inscription, written in a distinctive broken script, was translated by Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams and numismatist Joe Cribb. It reads: “This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina.” Researchers say such inscriptions are rare and provide valuable insights into literacy, property ownership, and social life in the Kushan Empire. The Kushan Empire was one of the largest states in ancient Central Asia, encompassing parts of modern Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, southern Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The Bactrian language, widely used in administration and trade at the time, remains a key tool for understanding the region’s history. Traces of Ancient Life in the Zeravshan Valley In November 2024, an international archaeological team reported the discovery of the multi-layered Soi Khavzak site in the Zeravshan Valley, containing evidence of human activity dating back 150,000 years. Led by Professor Yossi Zeidner of the Hebrew University, excavations revealed stone tools, animal bones, and plant remains from periods spanning the late to middle Paleolithic. Scientists believe the region may have served as a migration corridor for both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, providing a place where they could meet and interact. The site’s excellent preservation of organic matter, including bones and wood, offers the possibility of discovering human remains, a find that could help identify the species of ancient inhabitants in Central Asia. Experts say these recent discoveries not only expand understanding of Tajikistan’s engineering and cultural history, but also highlight the region’s role as a hub of human innovation and migration over thousands of years.

Poverty

Central Asia Cuts Hunger Fivefold in Two Decades, FAO Reports

The number of people facing hunger in Central Asia has fallen sharply over the past two decades, according to a new report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The share of the population suffering from undernourishment dropped from 13.1% in 2005 to just 2.8% in 2024, equivalent to a decline from 7.8 million people to 2.3 million. Much of this progress was achieved before 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted that trend: between 2020 and 2021, undernourishment rose to 2.5 million. However, with the introduction of stronger food security policies and an economic rebound, the region has since regained positive momentum. The FAO report notes that a healthy diet in Central Asia now costs an average of $3.78 per person per day. While this is below the global average of $4.46, it remains unaffordable for many low-income households, particularly in rural Tajikistan. In 2024, FAO estimates that approximately 14% of the region’s population, roughly 11.5 million people, still could not afford a balanced diet. Child health indicators have also improved. The prevalence of stunting among children under five has halved since 2012, falling from 14.8% to 7.4%. Rates of acute malnutrition have also declined, and childhood obesity rates have decreased slightly. Nonetheless, persistent challenges remain: anemia affects about one-third of women of reproductive age, and adult obesity is on the rise, increasing from 18.8% to 25.1% over the past decade. In 2024, Tajikistan remained the most food-insecure country in the former Soviet Union. According to the Global Hunger Index published by the International Food Policy Research Institute, 8.7% of its population faces food shortages, placing the country 65th out of 127 worldwide. In a sign of regional engagement, Uzbekistan officially joined the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty in December 2024, reinforcing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and to global cooperation on food security.