Khujand: The Jewel of the Fergana Valley

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Khayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeЛутфан
  [Lutfan]
• Thank youРахмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryМазарат
  [Mazarat]
• How are you?Шумо четор ҳастед?
  [Shumo chetor hasted?]
• Fine. And you?Хубам. А шумо?
  [Khobam. A shumo?]
• Do you speak English?Шумо англисӣ гап мезанед?
  [Shumo anglisī gap mezaned?]
• I don't understandМан фаҳм намекунам
  [Man fahm namekunam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЛутфан менюро бегаред
  [Lutfan menyuro begared]
• I don't eat meatМан гӯшт намехарам
  [Man gūsht namekharam]
• Cheers!Сайён!
  [Sayon!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЛутфан ман хоҳам пул бедаҳам
  [Lutfan man khoham pul bedaham]

• Help!Кумак!
  [Kumak!]
• Go away!Равона шавед!
  [Ravona shaved!]
• Call the Police!Пулисро хона шавед!
  [Pulisro khona shaved!]
• Call a doctor!Духтурро хона шавед!
  [Dukhturro khona shaved!]
• I'm lostМан ҷой гум шудам
  [Man joy gum shudam]
• I'm illМан беморам
  [Man bemoram]

• I'd like to buy...Ман мехоҳам харидан...
  [Man mekhoham kharidan...]
• I'm just lookingМан танҳо гӯроҳ мекунам
  [Man tanho gūroh mekunam]
• How much is it?Қиймат чанд аст?
  [Qīmat chand ast?]
• That's too expensiveИн хеле гаро
  [In hele garo]
• Can you lower the price?Метавонед нархро кам кунед?
  [Metavoned narhro kam kuned?]

• What time is it?Ҳозир чанд вақт аст?
  [Hozir chand vaqt ast?]
• It's one o'clockҲафт
  [Haft]
• Half past (10)Ним саъат дасҳ
  [Nim sa'at das]
• MorningСубҳ
  [Subh]
• AfternoonБехор
  [Behor]
• EveningШаб
  [Shab]
• YesterdayДирӯз
  [Diruz]
• TodayИмрӯз
  [Imruz]
• TomorrowПагоҳ
  [Pagoh]
• 1Як
  [Yak]
• 2Ду
  [Du]
• 3Се
  [Se]
• 4Чаҳор
  [Chahor]
• 5Панҷ
  [Panj]
• 6Шаш
  [Shash]
• 7Ҳафт
  [Haft]
• 8ҳашт
  [Hasht]
• 9нӯҳ
  [nuh]
• 10даҳ
  [dah]

• Where's a/the...?Ҳарҷо...
  [Harjo...]
• What's the address?Суроға чист?
  [Surogha chist?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Метавонед манро нишон диҳед?
  [Metavoned manro nishon dihed?]
• When's the next (bus)?Оянда кӯтиш чист?
  [Oyanda kūtish chist?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (то ...)
  [Bilet (to ...)]

Khujand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, traces its origins back to the 7th century BCE. It was originally known as Cyropolis and was founded by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. Strategically located on the Syr Darya River, the city served as a crucial point on the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

In 329 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Cyropolis during his campaign to conquer the Persian Empire. He renamed the city Alexandria Eschate, meaning 'Alexandria the Furthest,' signifying its position at the edge of his empire. This period marked the beginning of Hellenistic influence in the region, which blended with local traditions to create a unique cultural tapestry.

During the 8th century, Khujand became an important center of Islamic culture and scholarship. The city flourished under the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, becoming a hub for science, literature, and philosophy. Renowned scholars and poets like Nasir Khusraw emerged from this vibrant intellectual atmosphere, contributing significantly to the Islamic Golden Age.

In the early 13th century, Khujand faced devastation at the hands of the Mongol Empire. Genghis Khan's forces captured and destroyed the city as part of their sweeping conquest across Central Asia. Despite this destruction, Khujand managed to rebuild and recover over the subsequent centuries, continuing its legacy as a resilient and enduring city.

The 14th and 15th centuries saw Khujand rise again under the Timurid dynasty. Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants fostered a cultural renaissance, patronizing the arts, architecture, and learning. Magnificent structures like the Masjidi Jami Mosque were constructed, showcasing the architectural prowess and artistic achievements of the Timurid period.

In the late 19th century, Khujand was incorporated into the Russian Empire as part of its expansion into Central Asia. This period brought significant changes, including modernization efforts and infrastructural development. The city's strategic location made it a key military and administrative center under Russian rule.

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Khujand became part of the Soviet Union. During the Soviet era, the city underwent extensive industrialization and urbanization. Factories, schools, and hospitals were established, transforming Khujand into a modern Soviet city while also promoting Soviet ideology and cultural integration.

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Khujand became part of the newly independent Republic of Tajikistan. The city has since experienced a period of transition, balancing its rich historical heritage with contemporary development. Today, Khujand stands as a testament to its diverse past, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations.

Khujand is accessible via Khujand Airport, which is located about 13 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers domestic flights, primarily connecting to the capital, Dushanbe. International travelers often fly into Dushanbe International Airport or Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan and then travel to Khujand by road. Buses and shared taxis (marshrutkas) are available from both cities and provide a scenic journey through the mountainous terrain. The drive from Dushanbe to Khujand takes approximately 6-7 hours, while the trip from Tashkent is about 3-4 hours.

In Khujand, local transportation options include buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and taxis. Marshrutkas are a popular and cost-effective way to get around the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available, but be aware that driving conditions can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain and local driving habits.

The official currency in Tajikistan is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is the preferred method of payment in most places. ATMs are available in Khujand, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or smaller establishments. Currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized exchange offices.

Khujand is generally a safe city for tourists. However, 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 such as markets and public transport. While Khujand does not have 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 assistance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The main hospital in Khujand is the Sughd Regional Hospital, which offers a range of medical services. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout 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. 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 Khujand like a local, visit the Panjshanbe Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in Central Asia, 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 Khujand Fortress and the Historical Museum of Sughd, which offer insights into the region's rich heritage. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Syr Darya River and enjoy the scenic views and local eateries.