Key Displays on Rudaki Street in Dushanbe

Hidden Crosses of Tajikistan

• Hidden Crosses in the Dushanbe Archeology Museum
• Hidden Crosses in Khujand Archeology Museum
• Geometric Cross-like Designs of Tajikistan
• Key Displays on Rudaki Street in Dushanbe

When ever I visit Tajikistan, I always enjoy a walk down Rudaki street. On and near this street are a few very interesting displays or monuments that every visitor should see.

A walk down Rudaki and Somoni Street provide a small glimpse into Tajik history. Here is my walking tour map:

Suhrob Art Gallery

For years, this gallery has displayed some very unique items. Just a few years ago the owner passed away so not sure how much longer such a display will be available. I have decided to document some of the articles since things on this street seem to change so often.

Suhrob (Sukhrob) Kurbanov amazingly placed his art work and archeology items in the center of the busiest section of Dushanbe. He was a folk artist of Tajikistan and in early 2016 he passed away (born 1946).^[1]https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/493628 and https://aaa.org.hk/en/collections/search/library/sukhrob-kurbanov give some insight into his past.

His art gallery captures the eye especially since numerous religious symbols stand out. Ancient vases from most likely archeology digs sit with symbols of eternity or images of the sun, while others display crosses with a Persian bent. The flowery buds on these crosses are similar to the St. Thomas crosses^[2]https://thomaschristians.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-pahlavi-inscribed-processional.html which historically connected to the Church of the East.

The Christian influence on Bukhara and Penjikent is evident in many wood carvings and on coins that have been found. The four-sided flower pedal displays more of a cross than any flower found in the region. See my article about the cross design upon the Tajik landscape, especially at the Hulbuk castle museum.^[3]https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g17613071-d26094020-Reviews-Hulbuk_Museum-Vose_Khatlon_Province.html

Tajiks love poetry and the wall of poets is worth a visit when in Dushanbe.

Rudaki Persian Archway

This archway used to be at the entrance, but now it sits inside Rudaki Park. The Rudaki statue stands at the center of the Persian Archway, which features seven stars and traditional Persian patterns. The first picture is before 2010 and the lower one is from 2024.