Tajikistan

Pamiri mazars are small sacred sites found throughout the valleys of the Tajik and Afghan Pamirs, especially in the Wakhan. Often whitewashed and decorated with ibex or Marco-Polo sheep horns, they reflect a unique blend of spiritual traditions. While today most Pamiris follow Ismaili Islam, these shrines preserve much older, pre-Islamic and Zoroastrian elements, symbolized by animal horns, sacred stones, and offerings linked to ancient mountain cults.

Tucked high in the mountains of eastern Tajikistan, along the rugged spine of the Pamir range, lies one of Central Asia’s most isolated and fascinating cultural landscapes. Often called "the Roof of the World," the Pamir Mountains are home to a unique people with ancient roots, distinct languages, and enduring traditions: the Pamiris. Among the most symbolic elements of their heritage is the Pamiri house, or chid—a structure that is far more than a shelter. It is a living reflection of the Pamiris' spiritual beliefs, social values, and harmonious relationship with their environment.

Still little known outside Tajikistan, the new Chaikhana of Dushanbe is a huge luxurious complex 120 meters wide and long. "chaikhana" translates from Persian to "tea house". It is possible that this new "tea house" was built in order to replace the popular Chaïkhana Rohat on Rudaki Avenue, much more visited by tourists and which would not ultimately be destroyed.