Istaravshan: A Journey Through Time in Tajikistan

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Khayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeЛутфан
  [Lutfan]
• Thank youРаҳмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryМағзиб
  [Magzib]
• How are you?Шумо чӣ хел?
  [Shumo chi khel?]
• Fine. And you?Хубам. Шумо чӣ хел?
  [Khobam. Shumo chi khel?]
• Do you speak English?Шумо забони англисиро мегуёнед?
  [Shumo zaboni anglisiro meguyoned?]
• I don't understandМан фаҳм неам
  [Man fahm neam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЛутфан, менюро беҳтарин мехоҳам
  [Lutfan, menyuro behtar mohoham]
• I don't eat meatМан гӯшт хӯрок намехӯрам
  [Man gusht khurok namehuram]
• Cheers!Тӯт!
  [Tut!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЛутфан, мехоҳам пул даҳам
  [Lutfan, mohoham pul daham]

• Help!Кӯмак кунед!
  [Kumak kuned!]
• Go away!Рафтан!
  [Raftan!]
• Call the Police!Пулисро хонанд!
  [Pulisro khonand!]
• Call a doctor!Духтурро хонанд!
  [Dukhturro khonand!]
• I'm lostМан ғафлат гирифтаам
  [Man ghaflat giriftam]
• I'm illМан беморам
  [Man bemoram]

• I'd like to buy...Ман мехоҳам каридан ...
  [Man mohoham karidan ...]
• I'm just lookingМан танғири мекунам
  [Man tangiri mekunam]
• How much is it?Ин чанд меқад?
  [In chand meqad?]
• That's too expensiveИн хеле қимат баланд аст
  [In hele qimat baland ast]
• Can you lower the price?Шумо меқадро кам мекунед?
  [Shumo meqadro kam mekuned?]

• What time is it?Кадом соат аст?
  [Kadom soat ast?]
• It's one o'clockСоат як буд
  [Soat yak bud]
• Half past (10)Ним соат дасх
  [Nim soat dash]
• MorningСубҳ
  [Subh]
• AfternoonБаҳр
  [Bahr]
• EveningШаб
  [Shab]
• YesterdayДирӯз
  [Diroz]
• TodayИмруз
  [Imruz]
• TomorrowПагоҳ
  [Pagoh]
• 1Як
  [Yak]
• 2Ду
  [Du]
• 3Се
  [Se]
• 4Чор
  [Chor]
• 5Панҷ
  [Panj]
• 6Шаш
  [Shash]
• 7Ҳафт
  [Haft]
• 8ҳашт
  [hasht]
• 9ноҳ
  [noh]
• 10даҳ
  [dah]

• Where's a/the...?Куҷост ...?
  [Kujo ...?]
• What's the address?Сурохиёти куҷост?
  [Surokhiyoti kujo ...?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Шумо метавонед манро (дар харита) бинишед?
  [Shumo metavoned manro (dar harita) binished?]
• When's the next (bus)?Қаҳро кадом вақт метавонем китобат кунем?
  [Qahro kadom vaqt metavonem kitobat kunem?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ҳарифа (ба ...)
  [Harifa (ba ...)]

Istaravshan, formerly known as Ura-Tube, boasts a rich history that dates back over 2,500 years. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was part of the ancient Persian Empire. The city's strategic location made it a vital trading and cultural hub on the Silk Road.

In 329 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Istaravshan during his conquest of the Persian Empire. The city was known as Cyropolis at the time and was strategically important. Alexander's forces faced fierce resistance, but ultimately, the city fell under his control, marking a significant event in its history.

During the 9th and 10th centuries, Istaravshan flourished under the rule of the Samanid Empire. It became a prominent center for Islamic culture and learning. The period saw the construction of many architectural marvels, including mosques and madrasas, which influenced the city's cultural and religious landscape.

In the early 13th century, Istaravshan faced devastation during the Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan. The city was significantly damaged, and its population suffered greatly. Despite this, Istaravshan managed to rebuild and recover over the following centuries.

The 14th and 15th centuries marked a renaissance period for Istaravshan under the Timurid Dynasty. The city experienced a cultural and architectural revival, with the construction of stunning buildings such as the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and the Hazrat-i-Shah Mausoleum, which still stand today.

In the 20th century, Istaravshan became part of the Soviet Union. The city underwent significant modernization and industrialization during this period. Soviet influence brought new educational institutions, infrastructure, and an increase in literacy rates, profoundly impacting the city's development.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Istaravshan became part of the newly independent Republic of Tajikistan. The city has since been working to preserve its rich historical and cultural heritage while also adapting to modern challenges and opportunities.

Istaravshan is located in the Sughd Province of Tajikistan. The nearest international airport is Khujand International Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away. From Khujand, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus (marshrutka) to Istaravshan. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can also reach Istaravshan by taking a domestic flight to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, and then traveling by road or train to Istaravshan.

Istaravshan is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and reasonably priced. Public buses and marshrutkas operate within the city and connect to nearby villages and towns. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Tajikistan is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Istaravshan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Khujand or Dushanbe before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Istaravshan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 01 for fire, 02 for police, and 03 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Istaravshan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Istaravshan like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Tajik goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Mug Teppe, a historical site offering panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, take part in a traditional Tajik tea ceremony, which is a key part of local culture.