Tajikistan is a country in Central Asia surrounded by Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It is known for rugged mountains, and popular for hiking and climbing. But outside these, there are quite a number of other amazing facts about the country.
Take for example, the wedding of those who live on the plateau. How long does a typical wedding last there? How long is a honeymoon there? Of what value is the tulip to the Tajiks? And why must you never let a Tajik see you throwing or dropping bread?
Find the answers to these and more in the following 10 amazing facts about Tajikistan.
SEE ALSO: 11 Amazing Facts About South Africa You Need To Know
Capital: Dushanbe
Currency: Tajikistani somoni
President: Emomali Rahmon
Official languages: Tajiki, Persian, Russian
Government: Dominant Party Presidential Republic
Population: Emomail Rahmon
Prime Minister: Kokhir Rasulzoda
Amazing Facts About Tajikistan
1. COULD BE RUDE
Tajikistan is a bit conservative. However, even though Tajiks can be extremely friendly, it is not uncommon for people to be equally rude. Tajikistani is a Persian-speaking country. But do not expect the red carpet treatment that tourists receive in other Persian speaking countries like Iran and Afghanistan.
2. THE WEEK-LONG WEDDING
People on the plateau, you will find, have very unique wedding ceremonies that last seven days! On the first day of the ceremony, the bride and the bridegroom proclaim their marriage and hold separate banquets with their own families. This is a three-day affair.
3. BRIDE AND FAMILY ARRIVE
You will find it amazing that in all the first six days of the wedding ritual the bride is still at her parent’s home. It is on the sixth day that the bride and her family members arrive at the bridegroom’s home and spend the night there, marking the end of the wedding.
4. LONGEST HONEYMOON
What is even more amazing is the honeymoon period. The honeymoon lasts 40 days! and the whole of the 40 days is spent under the same roof as the husband’s parents in order to protect the bride and groom at the start of the married life.
5. A GREATES FEAST
Navruz, the Muslim New Year, is celebrated at the spring equinox. If you happen to be in Tajikistan during it, you will find it amazing that entire villages prepare for this festival. They engage in cooking dishes exclusive to this season – the tables full to bursting!
SEE ALSO: 10 Interesting Facts About Russia You’ll Like To Know
6. THE TULIP HOLIDAY
Here is something else highly amazing: Sayri Guli Lola is the holiday of tulips! A holiday in honour of flower! In it you will notice accompanied choral and dance music. Poppies and tulips are native flowers in Tajikistan and are said to be the origin of Dutch tulips.
7. AMAZING MEAL SEQUENCE
If nothing else, you will find traditional Tajik meals which begin with sweet dishes such as halwa and tea will definitely amazing! After the sweet dishes, the meal progresses to soups and meat, before finishing with a pilaf. The Tajik national dish is kabuli pulao, a rice dish with shredded yellow turnip or carrot, meat, and olive oil or drippings.
8. NEVER DROP/THROW/CUT BREAD
In Tajikistan, every meal is a ceremony. Tajiks treat food with great respect. In fact, bread is even considered sacred. To that effect, never let Tajiks catch you throwing or dropping bread on the floor. The even more amazing part is that it should always be set carefully upright and broken carefully, not cut with a knife.
9. EMBROIDERED WAIST SCARF
Tajik men’s caps look like small barrels. They are lined with black lamb skin. And the lower brim is rolled up to reveal the fur lining, which is both decorative and practical. There is nothing amazing in all that. But men usually have an embroidered scarf around the waist called a rumol. Now, is that amazing or what?
SEE ALSO: 10 Funny Facts About Moldova You’ll Love To See
10. BIKING ONLY FOR MEN
The bicycle is one of the first vehicles invented by man that is not pulled by an animal. And people of all ages and sexes enjoy the bicycle at all times and places around the world. However in Tajikistan, the bicycle is partially viewed as a man-only vehicle. This is because in the villages, a woman on a bike is a taboo!
Leave a Reply