Brief historical information

Dushanbe settlement first appeared in the Stone Age on the right bank of Varzob River within the place of habitation of Hissor tribal society about 7-9 thousand years ago. It was located near the present city center. Dushanbe's inhabitants were engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture and weaving. During early Class Society, there was a center of local civilization. The first state of oriental Iranian tribal associations occurred here.

Hissor valley, where Dushanbe city is now located, during the time of slave-owning system was under influence of The Akhamenid State. After that, Alexander Great had conquered this area. Some evidences of the Akhamenid epoch, such as coins, furnishings and crockery can be found within the archeological digs in Dushanbe (3-4 BC).

Also, there is a convincing proof of existence of colonies on the territory of modern Dushanbe (84 microrayon and Ispechak) during the time of The Kushan and Ephtalit government (4-6 AD).

First independent State of Samanids was established in the beginning of IX century. After weakening of this empire, there was established The State of Gurids (XII A.D), and The State of Horezm Shah Muhammad (XIII A.D).

After collapse of Central Asian states, the Mongolian hordes had conquered these territories. XV-XVI centuries are the times of Timor governance. It was the epoch of revival of Central Asia and all its cities. Dushanbe becomes the center of handcrafts and trade.

The first written record of Dushanbe dated from 1676. The first map indicating Dushanbe's position was made in 1875. At that time, Dushanbe was a fortress located on the right steep bank of river. The number of population was approximately 10 thousand inhabitants. Both professional and national communities divided the quarters of Dushanbe. The caravanserais were the centers of dialogue and news. There were 14 mosques with Moslem schools and two madrasahs.

In all times Dushanbe remained the trade city located on the Great Silk Road.

The history of modern city begins in 1920, when Emir of Bukhara Said Alimkhan after escape made Dushanbe his new residence. In 1924, Dushanbe was announced as the capital of Tajik Soviet Socialist Autonomous Republic, and in 1929 as the capital of Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.

Since 1930-s, local industry began to develop actively. To clear up the illiteracy many schools were established and more than 500 thousand people were educated during first 10 years of soviet governance. During 1930-90-s, many picturesque architectural monuments were created. In the mean time, scientific, educational and sport capacities were developed in Dushanbe.

The face of modern city was created in 1960-90-s.

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