Leaving Khojand, I hopped on the local marshrutkas to Istaravshan located about an hour from Khojand. Istarafshan was a surprise in itself. Being a small town and limited information provided on the Lonely Planet guide I venture out to explore the town. Although nothing all that fascinating and a lack of major sights, it was made up by the warmth I received by the locals here. By far, my favourite place in Tajikistan.
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| Waiting for the marshrutkas to fill up before it heads to Istaravshan |
Bazaar!
A walk through the bazaar proved a fruitful experience as locals became intrigue by the sight of a foreigner walking around. They would come up or call you over to strike a conversation while showering me with their goods for sampling from fruits, vegetable, honey and dried food.
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| Cigarette seller happy just to see an unfamilar face and having a chat |
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| This man spoke some english and was very curious on being able to come to Australia to find work! |
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| This lovely couple gave me a free peach and apple! |
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| Then came the free grapes! |
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| These playful ladies were telling me to take a photo of their friends opposite but camera shy when I asked to take a photo of them. Little did they know I was taking a photo of them whilst they were busy pointing me elsewhere. |
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| Free raisins! |
The Blacksmiths
Istaravshan history dates back more than 2500 years and famous for their blacksmith and knife craftmanship. Today, 13 blacksmith remains and located opposite the Bazaar. A great sight to see with the blacksmith still using traditional small scale methods of work.
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| Making Steal rods |
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| The next generation of blacksmiths in Istaravshan |
Mug Teppe
To the north east of town lies Mug Teppe, a former fortress sitting on a hilltop which was razed by Alexander the Great in 329BC and the Arabs in 772AD. Today, not much remains of the former fortress.
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| Mug Teppe: In 2002, an entry gateway was erected for Istaravshan 2500th birthday. |
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| What fragments that remains of Mug Teppe |
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| View from Mug Teppe |
Shahr-E-Kuhna(Old Town)
Straying away from the main street to the back lane, you'll find the the old city and reminiscence of it remain and can be seen with the open drainage system which runs like a maze. The street is packed with friendly people and kids about playing. At times, it got abit too much as kids will constantly surround you asking you to take photos after photos. However, they were genuinely nice and not expecting much in return and just happy with you taking a photo of them. One could sense they do not see many tourist at all.
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| Kids crowding around at the sight of 2 tourist |
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| Estatic looks of seeing their photos |
Out and About
Beyond the bazaar and old town, a stroll around town was full of welcoming locals showing some extraordinary hospitality with one insistent man inviting me into his home and preparing tea and food for me even though not being able to fully communicate!
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| Walking on the other side of the street, this watermelon called me over to talk and offer me some watermelon! |
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| Curious locals |
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| A rare shot. Taking pictures of women can be difficult here. Especially one with golden teeth! |
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| Bread seller on the street |
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| The man who invited me into his home(and his wife) and prepared dinner and tea for us. Even had some vodka! |
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| Man's wife and 2 daughters. |
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| Using the Ipad to show where we're from |
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| Showing his musical credentials |
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| Giving 2 tourist a local Tajik experience! |
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