Panjakent: The Ancient Gem of Tajikistan

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Khayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeЛутфан
  [Lutfan]
• Thank youРахмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryМаъзарат
  [Ma'zarat]
• How are you?Шумо четор ҳастед?
  [Shumo chetor hasted?]
• Fine. And you?Хуб астам. Шумо четор?
  [Khub astam. Shumo chetor?]
• Do you speak English?Шумо англисӣ гап мезанед?
  [Shumo anglisii gap mezaned?]
• I don't understandМан фаҳм намекунам
  [Man fahm namekunam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЛутфан, менюро бефаҳмед
  [Lutfan, menyu-ro befahmed]
• I don't eat meatМан гӯшт намехарам
  [Man gusht namekharam]
• Cheers!Сайёҳату фарз!
  [Saiyohatu farz!]
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  [Lutfan, mehoham pul dihed]

• Help!Кумак!
  [Kumak!]
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  [Ravona shaved!]
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  [Pulisro hohed zang zad?]
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  [Dukhtrro hohed zang zad?]
• I'm lostМан ҷой гум гардам
  [Man joy gum gardam]
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  [Man bemor hastam]

• I'd like to buy...Ман мехоҳам харид кунам...
  [Man mehoham harid kunam...]
• I'm just lookingМан танқид мекунам
  [Man tanqid mekunam]
• How much is it?Ин чанд об хоҳад буд?
  [In chand ob kohad bud?]
• That's too expensiveИн хеле گرан аст
  [In hele goran ast]
• Can you lower the price?Метавонед наро паст кунед?
  [Metavoned naro past kuned?]

• What time is it?Соат чанд аст?
  [Soat chand ast?]
• It's one o'clockСоат як буд
  [Soat yak bud]
• Half past (10)Нӯзи дасх
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• 1Як
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• 2Ду
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• 5Панҷ
  [Panj]
• 6Шаш
  [Shash]
• 7Ҳафт
  [Haft]
• 8ҳашт
  [Hasht]
• 9нӯҳ
  [nuh]
• 10дас
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?Қаере...?
  [Qaere...?]
• What's the address?Суроға чист?
  [Suroga chist?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Метавонед манро бахш диҳед?
  [Metavoned manro bakhsh dihed?]
• When's the next (bus)?Қаере беравӣ (оҳани)?
  [Qaere beravi (ohani)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (то ....)
  [Bilet (to ....)]

Panjakent, often referred to as the 'Pompeii of Central Asia,' dates back to the 5th century AD. It was founded by the Sogdians, an ancient Iranian people known for their trade and cultural influence along the Silk Road. The city's strategic location made it a key commercial and cultural hub in the region.

During the 6th and 7th centuries, Panjakent flourished as a vibrant urban center. The Sogdians were renowned for their skills in trade, and Panjakent became a melting pot of cultures, with merchants from China, India, Persia, and Byzantium converging here. The city was adorned with grand palaces, temples, and bazaars.

Panjakent was a vital node on the Silk Road, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between the East and the West. Sogdian merchants from Panjakent were instrumental in spreading Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Manichaeism across Central Asia. The city's prosperity was reflected in its sophisticated urban planning and rich artistic heritage.

Excavations in Panjakent have unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts, including intricately painted murals, ceramics, and coins. The ruins of residential quarters, temples, and administrative buildings offer a glimpse into the daily life and social structure of the ancient Sogdians. The murals, in particular, depict scenes of banquets, hunting, and religious ceremonies, showcasing the city's artistic achievements.

In the early 8th century, Panjakent faced a significant turning point with the arrival of Arab armies during the Islamic conquests. By 722 AD, the city fell to the Umayyad Caliphate, marking the end of the Sogdian era. The introduction of Islam brought about cultural and religious transformations, but the city’s decline began as trade routes shifted and political dynamics changed.

Interest in Panjakent's historical significance was rekindled in the 20th century with various archaeological expeditions. Scholars from around the world have studied the site, contributing to a deeper understanding of Sogdian culture and history. Today, Panjakent is a significant archaeological site and tourist destination, offering insights into the rich tapestry of Central Asian history.

Panjakent is located in the Sughd Region of Tajikistan. The nearest international airport is Dushanbe International Airport, approximately 270 kilometers away. From Dushanbe, you can take a shared taxi or a minibus (marshrutka) to Panjakent. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours by road. Alternatively, you can travel via Samarkand in Uzbekistan, which is much closer, and then cross the border into Tajikistan at the Jartepa border crossing.

Panjakent is relatively small, and many of its attractions can be explored on foot. For longer distances, local taxis are available and affordable. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are a common mode of local transport and can take you to nearby villages and attractions. Renting a car can also be a convenient option for more flexibility in your travels.

The official currency in Tajikistan is the Tajikistani Somoni (TJS). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Panjakent, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so withdrawing cash in larger cities like Dushanbe is a good idea before traveling to Panjakent. Some hotels and larger establishments may accept USD or EUR.

Panjakent is generally a safe destination 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. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but 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. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Panjakent. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town 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 Panjakent like a local, visit the local markets 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 town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient ruins of the Sogdian city and the Rudaki Museum. For a unique experience, attend a local cultural event or festival, which often feature traditional music and dance.