Hills Behind Victory Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Decided to take a walk to the hills behind Victory Park. Overall, the hike didn't go very well, I chose the wrong time, didn't equip myself properly. Also, I didn't fully decide on the final destination of the route, just stood up and started walking. Of course, I didn't get anywhere. As Seneca said: For a ship without a destination, no wind is favorable. In the end, I sat on the top of one of the hills and then went back. I didn't feel like taking photos anymore. Interestingly, when you are not interested, nothing interesting comes your way... haha, that's life.

Javonon Park, Komsomol Lake, Dushanbe City, Tajikistan

There is currently a significant amount of construction underway in Dushanbe, causing the city's appearance to rapidly change. The construction has affected almost all of the city's parks, but I would like to focus on Javonon Park near Komsomol Lake. The lake is now known as Javonon, but I am more familiar with its previous name, as are many others. The park used to have Soviet-era merry-go-rounds, impromptu cafes, and barbecues, which left a depressing impression. However, the park has now been transformed into a beautiful, open, and spacious cultural and recreational park that is perfect for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.

“God’s Eyes” Cave (Prohodna Cave), Iskar-Panega Eco-Park, Bulgaria

While roaming the web, I stumbled upon a stunning image — a cave with the piercing, eloquent name “God’s Eyes.” I was intrigued immediately.

A quick search brought up a mountain of websites describing this wonder. It turned out to be Prohodna Cave. It lies in Bulgaria, within the Iskar-Panega Eco-Park, near the village of Karlukovo. Just a stone’s throw from Sofia — a mere 112 kilometres. And although I was sincerely impressed, the place felt oddly familiar. A strange feeling, given that I’d never actually been to Bulgaria…

Little Ships: A Story of One Morning — A Short Story

When I was a child, I lived not far from a big park. It was the city's main park, traditionally named after the leader of the world proletariat. Back then, in my early childhood, it seemed enormous — a whole world, full of amusements, wonders, and mysterious nooks.

Evening Dushanbe - a Waterfall, Singing Fountains, Ismaili Somoni Square

It so happened that I don't usually walk around the city in the evenings, although it does happen, but rarely. And for a long time after arriving in Dushanbe, I couldn't see such attractions as the man-made waterfall and singing fountains in Dushanbe. And yet, I often passed by them, but either in the morning or during the day when they are not operational. I decided to correct this regrettable omission and one evening specifically went to see all of this.

Rudaki Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning, I decided to take a walk in Rudaki Park, located on Rudaki Avenue in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The park was renovated in 2007-08, previously known as Lenin Park. I cannot judge whether the park has become better or worse, as I am biased - I grew up here, near this park, and all my memories are associated with childhood, so it is difficult to be objective. However, this will not prevent me from enjoying a walk and contemplating this wonderful place...

National Flag Park in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

This morning I decided to take a walk to the National Flag Park, which is located in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for those who don't know). To breathe in the fresh air, take some photos - it was cloudy, but still great, refreshing...

Photos of Dushanbe in the 1960s and the same places in 2015

By chance, I came across some photographs of Dushanbe from the 1960s. I decided to walk around the same places and take photos from the same angles, if possible. I thought that many people, especially those who have left Tajikistan for various reasons, would find this interesting. I remember myself searching for photos of Dushanbe online when I was in Russia - everything was interesting to see what it looks like now.

Javonon Lake, formerly Komsomolskoye Lake, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Took a walk around the former Komsomolskoye Lake, now known as Youth Lake or Javonon. I had no specific goals, just wanted to take a walk and brought my camera just in case. Here are some photos I took, and not just for this blog post. Bilbo Baggins was right: 'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.'