SHAHRINAV
A City of the Kushan Era and Sparkling Wine
Shahrinav District is located in the Gissar Valley of the Republic of Tajikistan and is renowned primarily for its unique mountain landscapes and recreational areas along the Karatag River. Shahrinav is also known for its vineyards and the production of wines and liquors. The district is traversed by a highway connecting Dushanbe with the Republic of Uzbekistan, and there is also a railroad with a stop at "Cheptura." The region's well-developed road network connects all parts of the district with other areas of the country.
History

Shahrinav's territory falls within the historical and cultural area of Gissar, which was part of the ancient region of Bactria. During ancient times, the region was visited by the troops of Alexander the Great. In the 2nd century BC, the Tocharians settled here and established the Kushan Empire. Researchers believe that Lanxi, the first capital of the empire, was located near Shahrinav. Today, the site, spanning 360 hectares and surrounded by a 7-kilometer wall, is the district's main archaeological monument. The region was part of various powerful empires but never regained its former glory, remaining a provincial area. Extensive scientific evidence indicates the existence of large and developed cities during the Kushan period.

Officially, the area was established as the Karatag District in 1927 within the Tajik ASSR and was renamed Shahrinav District in 1929.
Geography

To the west, Shahrinav borders the city of Tursunzade; to the south and north, it borders the Surkhandarya Region of Uzbekistan; to the east, it borders the city of Gissar; and to the north, it borders Ayni District. The majority of the district is mountainous. The Karatag River flows through the area. Most of the population lives and works in the plains, which are considered very fertile.

Nature

In the northern mountains of the district, one can find wild boars, snow leopards (irbis), bears, marten, stoats, and Siberian ibexes. Some of the birds and insects in this region are listed in the Red Book of Rare and Endangered Species of Tajikistan, including the Himalayan monal, the bearded vulture, the Turkestan buzzard, the peregrine falcon, and butterflies such as the Apollo butterfly and the swallowtail.

Population

The population of Shahrinav District exceeds 122,000 people. The district comprises seven rural communities, locally known as "Jamoats": Bogiston, Istiklol, Sabo, Selbur, Khasanov, Chuzi (Chust), and Shahrinav. Tajiks make up nearly 60% of the population, while Uzbeks account for 35%. Almost all residents of the district are Sunni Muslims.
Top Attractions

Shahrinav District is developing eco-tourism, mountaineering, pilgrimage, historical and cultural tourism, hunting, and fishing. The region offers unforgettable experiences with its historical monuments and natural areas. There are 36 historical and cultural monuments as well as natural tourist zones, including Pushtimiyon, Hakimi, Labi-Jar, Khoja-Hasan, Takhti Sulaymon, the Pariyon Lakes, Temur Dara, Juvazak, Chashmai Mohiyon, and Khudji. Visitors can explore recreational areas along the Karatag Gorge, including the therapeutic resort "Eden," hike to the picturesque locations around the Temur Dara and Pariyon Lakes, and visit the vineyards. The district center features a museum, three parks: Ismail Somoni Park, Parcham Park, and Nasirjon Masumi Park, as well as the M. Tursunzade Alley. Accommodations include three hotels, five guesthouses, tea houses, restaurants, and various dining options. There are ten bank branches and numerous ATMs to serve residents and tourists. The administrative center offers traditional eastern dishes in a cozy, national-style tea house, and visitors can enjoy fresh fruits and local crafts at the central market.
Khodjai Bodom Village
The district hosts numerous historical sites, including Buzuk-teppa, Teppai Kampiri Zukhro, Teppai Didbon, Pakhtakor-teppa, Khayitgul-teppa, Chimkurgan, and others dating from the 2nd-1st centuries BC and the 5th-6th centuries AD. One notable historical site is Khodjai Bodom village. The first mentions of it date back to the early 15th century, during the reign of Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Tamerlane. The village is located at the foot of the Darvozakan Mountain. Here, near a spring beneath two majestic plane trees, lies the mausoleum "Khodjai Bolo." The spring is home to small fish, about 15-20 cm long, which do not grow unless moved to another water body. Locals claim that regularly observing these fish can help cure hepatitis. Nearby, another spring with sulfurous water is believed to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders.
Shahrinav Wine
Since the mid-20th century, Shahrinav District has been producing wine and spirits. The region is home to the "Champagne Factory" and "Wine Production Plant." Shahrinav is known throughout the region for its branded products: "Champagne," "Shahrinav Vodka," and "Mehri Giyoh" tincture.
Handmade Crafts

The people of Shahrinav have been engaged in craftsmanship for a long time. One of the oldest Tajik folk crafts is weaving. Handmade woolen carpets are rightfully considered works of art. Another prevalent form of decorative applied art is embroidery. Gulduzi is a type of embroidery based on patterns applied to the fabric. Kundal, meaning "flower paradise" in Persian, is an ornamental painting technique that developed in the late 14th to early 15th centuries. This art is revived by a local artisan from Shahrinav. Rare woven items among Tajiks are devoid of national artistic embroidery. Traditional crafts such as "sabadbofi" (weaving of national baskets) are also being revived in Shahrinav. Wood carving is one of the most ancient and widespread crafts in Tajikistan, with Shahrinav's artisans producing excellent souvenirs for tourists.
Folklore

Tajik folklore, with its millennia-old traditions, is rich and diverse. The folklore ensemble "Nasimi Karatag" from Shahrinav District consists mainly of women who perform ancient songs, poems, and parables in their local Tajik dialect, wearing traditional regional attire.
National Cuisine

In the administrative center of Shakhrinav, visitors can enjoy Eastern dishes in cozy cafes and teahouses built in a traditional style.
Plov is the royal dish of Tajikistan. You can try this delicious dish, prepared according to the recipes of professional chefs, at the teahouses "Dusti" and "Salimjon."
The restaurant "Shomi Karatog" serves excellent shashlik, roasted meat, and the flavorful soup "Khomsurbo."
At the "Shakhrinav" teahouse, breakfast includes aromatic tea, honey from mountain apiaries, sour cream, and traditional sweets.
You can also enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables at the central market of Shakhrinav.

How to get to Shahrinav District

There are two main ways to reach Shahrinav District. The first is via Dushanbe. From Dushanbe Airport, you can get to the 102nd district (toward the western gate of the capital). A taxi ride costs $3-4. A taxi and minibus parking area heading to Shahrinav District is located there. The cost per seat in a taxi is approximately $1.5 (as of 2024). The distance from Dushanbe to the center of Shahrinav District is 25 km. The second route is via Tursunzade. The distance from the center of Tursunzade to Shahrinav District is 10 km, with a fare of around $1.
Shahrinav District

Coordinates: 38°42′ N, 68°25′ E
Administrative Subordination: Districts of Republican Subordination (RRS)
Administrative Center: Town of Shahrinav
Area: 1006 km²
Time Zone: UTC+5
Population: 122,000 people
Population Density: 121.9 people/km²

Digital Identifiers

Telephone Code: +992 3155
Postal Codes: 737450
Internet Domain: .tj
Vehicle Code: 07 TJ


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