How Navruz is Celebrated in Tajikistan and Other Countries of the World

On March 21st each year, the world celebrates the spring equinox, which is a symbol of the beginning of spring and a new cycle of nature. This day has different names and traditions of celebration in different countries, and one of such countries is Tajikistan, where the holiday is called Navruz.

Jam Session and Painting Exhibition, Tapioka, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

It was a kind of unique mix of musical improvisation and the paintings of young female artists. A very interesting idea, well executed. Attending this event at the Tapioka coffee house, in the center of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, was a very interesting experience. The atmosphere was one of creative chaos and spontaneity, with bright and original paintings by young artists placed all around, and fiery, exciting improvisations by the musical performers – in short, eclecticism in its purest form. Let's just say, this combination was particularly stirring, charging you with a unique kind of energy. It even made me a little sad that I can neither paint nor sing – insert sad smiley here...

Chapter 13: Return to Iskanderkul from Bear Metamorphoses

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To get back to my previous route, I needed to get to Iskanderkul. Early in the morning, I drove to the taxi stand where you can hire a car for trips north of the city. The difficulty was that I was alone, and drivers prefer a full car. Of course, I could buy out all the seats, but for long distances, that gets expensive. I could pay, but such behavior is unusual, so I decided to look for fellow travelers.

The Art of Tracking: How to Observe Wild Animals

Wanting to observe an animal in the wild is one thing, but simply following its tracks isn't enough. For forest dwellers, humans have always been the ultimate predator, so they are constantly on high alert: listening, sniffing the air, and assessing whether a threat is near. Their survival depends on their ability to hide. Our task, in turn, is to outsmart them using equally sophisticated methods.

The Benefits of Hiking in the Mountains for the Body and Mind

Hiking in the mountains is one of the most popular types of outdoor activities that not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature but also has a positive impact on the health of the body and mind. In this article, we will examine several beneficial aspects of mountain hiking for human health.

Exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann, Serena, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

In Dushanbe, from March 8 to April 8, a solo exhibition of Irina Dmitrieva-Vann is taking place at the Serena Hotel. The official opening ceremony of the exhibition was held on the festive day of March 8. I decided not to miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of this remarkable artist and went to this event, especially since I was free at that time. Based on my visit to the exhibition and the opening ceremony, I put together a small photo review, which I am happy to share.

Chapter 12: One's Own Place from Bear Metamorphoses

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Five days had passed since Luka and I returned from the bog. Gradually, the putrid aftertaste of the Navka's energy faded away. The most surprising consequence of that event for me was that I didn't want to eat at all. At first, I chalked it up to nausea, but that passed. Luka went around chuckling, explaining nothing in advance. When I finally asked him directly, he deigned to explain.

Whose Tracks? How to Read Hidden Animal Signs

Tracking is a true art. It takes more than just looking at the ground — you need to understand animal behavior, decipher prints, and know where to look for each forest dweller. The tracker's golden rule: study the theory first, then head out.

The Contribution of Alexei Fedchenko to the History of Exploring the Nature of Tajikistan

Aleksey Pavlovich Fedchenko (1844-1873) was an outstanding Russian naturalist, traveler, and paleontologist. His research in the fields of geology, zoology, and botany largely formed the basis of modern science about the living world. Aleksey Fedchenko was born in Moscow to a family of peasant origin. From a young age, he showed an interest in nature, collecting and studying insects. In 1862, he enrolled in the physics and mathematics faculty at Moscow University, where he began to study natural sciences.

Spring Crafts Fair, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

In Dushanbe, on March 3-4, the Tajikistan Craftsmen Union, with the participation of various charitable organizations, is holding the Spring Crafts Fair at the Ismaili Center. I decided not to stay away from this event and visited the fair on March 3. Visiting a crafts fair is interesting because it offers the opportunity to see, in one place, practically all the crafts of Tajikistan and the craftsmen themselves, although here it might be more appropriate to call them artists. Of course, much of what is presented at the fair can be seen in the city's souvenir shops. But here, you have the chance to see and talk with the people who make all these things, which means you can choose or even order something special, to your own taste, that might not be available in a store. That's the practical benefit of this event, but we shouldn't forget that it is also the original and unique creativity of very gifted people.