Tajikistan is a country that is steeped in hundred years’ old history. Hidden amongst its valleys, modern cities and mountain towns, there are numerous ancient ruins of old settlements that tell the tale of Tajikistan’s past, many of which still remain partially unexcavated to this day. If you are looking to uncover the mysteries of Tajikistan’s ancient settlements, then join us on a journey through Sarazm, Old Penjikent, Dewashtich, and other interesting villages of the Zerafshan Valley.
First on the to-do list is Sarazm (meaning ‘where the land begins’). This ancient settlement is one of the most fascinating archeological sites in Tajikistan. Dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, it is one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia yet it was only uncovered by Tajik archaeologists in the late 1970s. Located in what is now known as the Zarafshan Valley in the province of Sughd in north-western Tajikistan, Sarazm has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and for good reason.
Based on their findings, archeologists believe that the town was the earliest agricultural society in proto-history ever known in this part of Central Asia. The fertile lands around the old town of Sarazm were once focused firmly around agriculture and livestock farming, as well as handicrafts and metalwork. By 3000 BC, Sarazm had become one of Central Asia’s largest metallurgical exporting centers, particularly for mining copper, bronze, and precious metals. Many medieval tools have been discovered here, portraying this ancient craft.
The best part about visiting Sarazm is that, unlike some of Tajikistan’s other museums, it is an open-air site without any gates or trading hours. Donate a few somoni and get a local to guide you or simply stroll around the ruins at your own pace. Divided into three main sections and covered by a corrugated iron roof, the walls are so well preserved that you can still pass through the corridors, doorways and ancient streets and imagine the city as it once operated back in its hey-day.
Just 15 kilometers to the west of Sarazm is the modern-day city of Panjakent with an ancient Sogdian settlement of its own. Dating back to the 5th-century, Old Panjakent (meaning ‘five villages’) was once one of the busiest arts and cultural hubs in the Sogdian Empire – in fact, it was even nicknamed the ‘Pompeii of Central Asia’.
In its prime, ancient Penjikent had an impressive citadel, several temples, and a couple of markets. Today, just the ruins remain, offering a fascinating insight into this age-old metropolis. First discovered as late as 1946, more than half of the settlement still remains unexcavated to this day. What you will find are the ruins of the medieval citadel, a Zoroastrian (fire worshipper’s) church, various craft workshops, a necropolis, and a collection of old residences with some impressive wall murals.
Most of the important archaeological finds in these ancient settlements of Sarazm and Panjikent have been relocated to museums in Dushanbe and other parts of Tajikistan, but you can still see some historic artifacts in the Sarazm Museum, located alongside the ruins, and the Rudaki Museum, also known as the Republican History and Regional Study Museum.
Other ancient settlements worth exploring in Tajikistan include the fortress and villages of Dewashtich, the kingdom of the last leader of the Sogdians. Located on a hilltop overlooking the modern-day village of Kum, a historic Sogdian fortress marks the site of a bloody battle with the Arabs in the 8th-century. What remains are some unusual mud brick buildings with barrel-like roofs but it is worth visiting for the views alone – the hilltop overlooks the magnificent Zarafshan Valley.
Another historic settlement, the fortress of Mount Mugh, can be found near Khairobad. This is where Dewashtich, the last Sogdian ruler, was eventually captured during the Arab invasion. You can hike up the slopes to the village with its two-story houses excavated by Russian archaeologists but as the pathways are tricky, it is best to do so with an experienced Paramount Journeys guide.
For those who have not yet gotten their fill of Tajikistan’s ancient settlements, there is one more to be found in the village of Madm. Defined by its age-old fortress, this ancient settlement has been dug up by archaeologists and you can still see the ruins of the brickwork and the remains of ancient two-story residences with their carved pillars. Hike up the slopes above the village to see lalmi, a spread of unirrigated crop fields that rely entirely on rainfall to survive.
If you are interested in discovering Tajikistan’s history, you can combine a visit to all of them, including Sarazm, Old Penjikent, Dewashtich, and more, on a trip with Paramount Journeys. Take a look at our website for more itineraries and tours that delve into the country’s fascinating history and culture.
