Tajik History
Tajik nationalists started calling for increased rights in the 1980s, resulting in Tajikistan declaring independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Civil war, mainly between rival Islamic groups, erupted soon after independence. Many non-Muslims, Russians, and Jews migrated. Conflict continued until 1997, by which time one-hundred thousand people had died and over one-million had become refugees.
Compared to other Arab nations, Tajikistan is the least affected by globalization. If one seeks to experience a pure Arabic culture, the country can't be beaten linguistically, culturally, and religiously. The following is some essential information about Tajikistan. Tajiks are simple and warm people that have a nice way of introducing themselves to foreigners!
Tajik Lifestyle concepts
The country is a culturally-rich country, with most of its influences coming from the Soviet inhabitants as well as from early Islam. The music and dance in the nation also stem from these times though today's Tajikistan traditions were primarily founded by the Tajik Jews. The influences dig as far as during these times!
Persian Tajiks have been in the area now known as Tajikistan for more than three thousand years, and speak an ancient language that is almost similar to those of Iran and Afghanistan. The natural landscape, agriculture, and Islamic lunar calendars have helped much to shape the culture of the nation, with food, customs, and festivals symbolizing both the religion and particular requirements for survival in the climate of each area. Muslims make up 90% of a population that is largely artistic and family-sensitive.
The Tajik identity and culture goes as back as several thousand years and is very congruent to that of Afghanistan and Iran in terms of language, beliefs, and lifestyle. Most of the people are Muslims, which had shaped the culture, particularly the art, food, music, and festivals. The Tajik people are family-oriented, sincere, and known for their friendliness and hospitality. Years of conflict have left deep scars on the national consciousness, although the mood in recent times has been cautiously optimistic.
Tajiks tend to be reserved, gender roles remain very traditional and women do not generally wear shorts. There remains a strong folk art culture across the nation, particularly with the making of textiles, embroidery, and other practical decorative arts such as carving, furniture, and jewelry making. The art tends to be inclined toward nature. A little-known fact about Tajikistan is that the asymmetrical ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ in the Imperial Crown of England originally was made here, as did the tulips for which Holland became popular.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
