Panjakent

39.367.98Koordinaten: 39 ° 18 ' N, 67 ° 59 ' E

Pandschakent ( Tajik Панҷакент, Panǧakent or پنجکینت; Russian Пенджикент / Pendschikent ) is a city in northwestern Tajikistan, east of Samarkand (Uzbekistan ), with approximately 35,000 inhabitants.

General

Pandschakent located in an approximately five kilometers wide plain in the valley of the river Zerafšan and once stood as a trading city on the Silk Road, in close connection to Samarkand about 60 kilometers away. The city has a university and a hospital, and is the seat of some regional administrative authorities. In addition, development aid organizations have as Welthungerhilfe offices. Close economic ties existed until independence with the neighboring Uzbekistan, which are, however, currently interrupted by closing the borders.

Attractions

• Madrassah Alim Dodcho: The Madrassah Alim Dodcho was established in 18-19. Century and is located opposite the bazaar.

• Rudakimuseum: The Museum in the center shows, inter alia, Finds from the ancient Sogdian city Pandschakent and the archaeological site of Zerazm. In addition, some rooms inform about the history of the region and the local wildlife of Zerafšantals. Another room is devoted to the life and works of the Persian poet Rudaki.

Old Town Pandschakent

In addition to the modern city are the ruins of a Sogdian city excavated since 1947 and is an important archaeological site in Tajikistan. Their area was once about 19 hectares, of which now about one-third were excavated. The old city had when it was flourished particularly in the 7th and 8th century AD, along the Silk Road and was the capital of the Principality of Sogdian. It was destroyed by the Arab conquest of the country. After that she was inhabited only for a short time.

The actual city was surrounded by an eight -meter-thick wall. Next to it was the citadel in which dwelt the local rulers. Outside the walls there was a suburb and the city of the dead. The residential town consisted of two - or three-storey house plants.

The excavation site is characterized by good preservation conditions. Many wooden objects (furniture, sculptures) are still in a remarkable state. However, the special feature of the locality are wall paintings that were found in the homes of the upper class and in the temples of the city. From this, the name derives from Pompeii Tajikistan.

Core of the residential town are two temples, which were each on a platform and were surrounded by a large yard. They were painted rich. The revered here deities remain unknown. Center of the houses of the upper class was a banquet hall, which was largely illustrated, in which case most epics are shown. The ballroom has been often equipped with ornate wooden pillars and ornately paneled ceiling.

From the paintings themselves Buddhist, Zoroastrian and Manichean influences can be read, a mix of Eastern and Western style elements that often represent the struggle of good against evil. You are now to a large extent in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Museum of Antiquity in Dushanbe. For the preservation of the archaeological site itself the effort is considered to be too high. Artifacts are recovered and left the ruins themselves.

Around Pandschakent

• Zerazm 15 kilometers west of the city lies the archaeological site of Zerazm. Here in 1976 the remains of a prehistoric settlement dating from the 3rd or 2nd millennium BC have been discovered. The settlement covers an area of approximately 130 hectares and consisted of mud houses. The excavations conducted by archaeologists Isakov numerous tools, knives, axes and weights were found. The origin of these pieces from India, Afghanistan and Iran indicates existing trade contacts of the former inhabitants. The most notable finding is the "Princess of Zerazm " in whose grave lay beads of Lazurite and various pieces of jewelry. Today, these findings are in the Museum of Ancient in Dushanbe.

• Seven Lakes: The legend, created by the enchantment of seven beautiful peasant girls seven lakes ( Marguzorskie Ozera ) are in Šingtal in 1598 to 2400 meters above sea level and go back to an earthquake. Their names are Midžgon ( " eyelash" ), soy, Chuš'er, Nofin, Churdak, Marguzor and Chazorchašma ( " thousand sources "). The latter also feeds all the other lakes in the valley. During Soviet times the Šingtal was a popular attraction for tourists. However, after the destruction of a rest home by a landslide tourism declined. In addition, several villages had to be evacuated. Since independence, an attempt is made to reduce the risk of avalanches with the help of international development agencies by terracing and planting of vulnerable slopes.

Bazaar Pandschakents