City information

Dushanbe city is located in the central part of Tajikistan on the southern slope of Gissar mountain ridge in the picturesque and fertile Gissar valley at the height of 750-830 meters above sea level. Average temperature in January is + 4°C, and in July is + 27,5°C. The territory of Dushanbe lies within a high seismic risk zone.

Presently, the city is located on the left and right banks of Varzob River. The left bank of Dushanbe city is higher than the right bank by 5-20 meters. From north to south, the city is crossed with Varzob River, from east to west - Kafirnigan River. Varzob River is the basic source of water. The Varzob originates from high-mountain glaciers of Gissar ridge to north from city. The river length is 71 km.

Archeological findings confirm the ancient history of Dushanbe settlement and diversity of its culture.

The status of city was granted to Dushanbe in 1925. Until 1930, there were only 13 streets. From 1929 to 1961 Dushanbe was called Stalinabad. Presently, Dushanbe city consists of more than 270 streets; about 20 inhabited housing estates; 104 microrayons and 4 administrative areas. The population of city is 562 thousand inhabitants. The main street is Rudaki Avenue, with a lot of monuments, memorial and office buildings.

Dushanbe city is a large industrial center of the Tajik republic. A lot of cotton and silk drapery is made here. More than 90 industrial enterprises are located in Dushanbe. Only one third of them are working now. Total industrial output is about 10-15% from 1991 level.

The share of industrial production volume within nation-wide manufacture is 4,2%, while in 1990 it was 26%. The able-bodied population is 322 thousand inhabitants, while 23 thousand townspeople work in industries.

Source : Atlas of Tajik SSR 1968, State statistics

The city's gross domestic product (GDP) for 2000 year is 24.626,5 thousand US dollars. The city's GDP per capita exceeds the national one by 80% and is equal to $US 423,7 per capita (national GDP is $US 235,4).

Basic industrial areas are located in southwestern, partially in northern and eastern part of city. Some light and environmentally friendly industries are established within residential areas.

The grid of housing estates is small. The central part of city coincides with the landscape of Varzob River left-bank terrace. Both administrative and cultural centers of Dushanbe are located here. The basic element of city's architectural composition was Varzob River with picturesque green areas along riverbanks.

Presently, there are 128 kindergartens, 90 middle schools, 11 colleges and 15 universities with 50 thousand students. A lot of hospitals, stadiums and health centers are also located here.

Dushanbe is the scientific, intellectual and entertaining center of the republic. There are many swimming pools, restaurants with rich assortment of dishes and Casino International.

Some of important memorials are:

1. Monument dedicated to the 25-year anniversary of Tajik SSR - 1949, architect S. Anisimov, constructor P. Drachuk, sculptor E. Tatarinova. Monument is located on The Dusti Square, height is 11,7 meters. In the top of the monument, there is the national emblem of Tajikistan, which indicates geographical center of the city.

2. Mausoleum of Sadridin Aini - 1958, architect U. Snegovsky, sculptor A. Manuilov. The monument is located in Park Aini and devoted to the founder of modern Tajik literature, first president of the Academy of Science.

3. Teahouse "Rohat" - 1957, architect K. Terletsky, engineer D. Gendlin, decorator A. Kuldoshev. "Rohat" is traditional national decorated building located in the city center.

4. Monument to Sadridin Aini - 1978, architect A. Agaronov, sculptor G. Eldarov. The monument is devoted to 100-years anniversary of Sadridin Aini - modern Tajik writer.

5. Mausoleum of Mirzo Tursun-Zade - 1981, architect B. Zuhriddinov, sculptor D. Riabichev. This monument is the burial-vault of the modern Tajik poet - M. Tursun-Zade.

6. Monument to Abu-Ali bin Sino - 1980, architect A. Agaronov, sculptor G. Eldarov. The monument is devoted to 1000-year anniversary of great thinker and scientist of Orient of 10-th century.

7. Monument to Ismail Samani - 1999. The monument is located on The Dusti Square. The height of monument is more 25 meters. The monument is devoted to the founder of first Tajik State - Ismail Samani (9-th century).

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