A female going solo in Tajikistan November 4, 2009
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Intrepid reporter Caroline Eden negotiates the ‘Roof of the World’ – Tajikistan and the High Pamirs in Central Asia
Caroline Eden meets the locals in the High Pamirs, Tajikistan
Having read up on the country in the excellent Odyssey guide Tajikistan and the High Pamirs (£18.95) and having sourced a viable route with the Lonely Planet’s Central Asia (£17.99) I set off alone, armed only with these books, to see how I – a solo, vegetarian, non-Russian speaking female traveller – would cope with travel in this remote corner of Central Asia.
-snip-This had been arranged with an Aga Khan-funded initiative, PECTA (Pamirs Eco-tourism Association) who can arrange tailor-made trips to Pamiri villages with guides and drivers (www.pamirspecta.com).
Read at source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/adventure/article6900835.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=1491494
The Ismaili Center, Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Night-time October 23, 2009
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Click for better view. Source unknown.
New Veterinary lab launched in GBAO’s Vanj district October 23, 2009
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KHOROG, October 15, 2009, Asia-Plus /Shonavruz Afzalshoyev/ — A new veterinary lab has been launched in GBAO’s Vanj district.
Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, the GBAO veterinary service head Anvar Buribekov said that many poultry have perished in Vanj in recent years.
“Farming units in the Vanj district have always got good profit out of poultry and the new veterinary lab, provided with all necessary equipment, will promote development of poultry-keeping farming and livestock sector in the district,” Buribekov said, noting that Vanj now accounts for 32 percent of the overall number of poultry in the region.
The veterinary lab in the Vanj district has been established due to joint efforts of the district administration, Tajikistan’s Veterinary Service and the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food of Canada within the framework of the program, Cross-Border Cooperation on Preventing Animal and Poultry Diseases, which is implemented the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP) and the AKF Afghanistan.
Inauguration Video: Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe, Tajikistan October 19, 2009
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Watch in High Quality at the source.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/889/Video-Opening-Ceremony-of-the-Ismaili-Centre-Dushanbe
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Architecture of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe October 19, 2009
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Excellent photographs at the source.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/891/Gallery-Architecture-of-the-Ismaili-Centre-Dushanbe
Pamiri band in Tajikistan: Samo October 18, 2009
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Samo (“sky”) folk band was established in September 2006 in Gurminj Museum, a small private museum of musical instruments in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Originally from the Pamir Mountains, where music is an integral part of everyday life, members of the band have been practicing music since childhood, learning melodies from their fathers, mothers and professional musicians. All of them are professional on many instruments as well as in singing. Samo dominantly plays music from the Pamirs, but their repertoire also includes music of other Tajik regions. Besides playing pure folk music they have their own compositions using traditional musical elements and genres. Falak is a special vocal genre sung at funerals; darguilik are originally songs of lament, and lalaik are lullabies; all of these however can also be sung at other occasions.
http://www.bactria.net/samo.html
More photographs at the blog: http://jesseanddianaintajikistan.blogspot.com
Interview of Samo by BBC
Humongous gathering of jamat opposite Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe October 17, 2009
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First Ismaili Centre in Central Asia Opens October 16, 2009
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First Ismaili Centre in Central Asia Opens – Celebrating A Thousand Year Legacy in the Region
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 12 October 2009 — His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, jointly inaugurated the first Ismaili Centre in Central Asia — a region that has been home to Ismaili Muslims for more than a thousand years.
The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev, senior government officials, diplomats, scholars and leaders of faith communities as well as a variety of civil society and business leaders from numerous countries. Representatives of the Ismaili community from around the world were also present.
More details – Photographs – Speech by Aga Khan – Fact Sheet – About Ismaili Centers
Central Asia Radio: Ismaili Centre Opens Doors in Dushanbe October 16, 2009
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Senior figures from across the political spectrum gathered for the opening of an Ismaili centre in the Tajik capital this week.
Shahodat Saibnazarova filed a report from the opening ceremony, at which the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the worldwide Ismaili community, and Tajik president Imomali Rahmon both made speeches.
Like other Ismaili centres around the world, the one in Dushanbe is designed to serve the broader community with cultural and educational facilities as well as religious activities for this branch of Shia Islam. The architects used a design reflecting Central Asia’s historic religious buildings.
Most of Tajikistan’s Ismaili minority live in Badakhshan, a high-altitude region in the southeast.
Politicians and other leading figures interviewed in the report hailed the new centre. Communist Party leader Shodi Shabdolov said it showed how Islam can be a modern, open religion.
Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda, a leading Sunni cleric, stressed that “there is no discord among Tajiks even though they follow different strands of Islam. The majority are Sunni of the Hanafi school… there are no disagreements because neither Hanafis nor Ismailis prosyletise.”
His Highness the Aga Khan consults with Presidents of Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan and Tajikistan October 15, 2009
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Photo Essay: Construction of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe October 14, 2009
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Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe October 13, 2009
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October 12, 2009
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Excellency President Rahmon,
Your Worship the Mayor of Dushanbe,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
It is a great honour for me to welcome you to this inauguration ceremony. I am deeply pleased to greet President Rahmon, who was here when together we laid the Foundation Stone for this building five years ago, and who has long been a steadfast supporter of the Centre project. The same thing is true of the Civic Authorities of Dushanbe, and we are also honoured to welcome His Worship, Mayor Ubaidullaev.
It is also a distinct pleasure to look out upon this audience and to greet so many other leaders, from so many walks of society. Your very presence here invests this occasion with special meaning, for you truly represent the broad diversity of this country — and your participation attests to the importance of pluralism in Tajik life.
Photo Gallery: Opening of the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe October 13, 2009
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Dushanbe mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, Aga Khan negotiate construction of modern school in Tajik capital October 13, 2009
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Author: Avaz Yuldoshev – DUSHANBE, October 13, 2009, Asia-Plus — Dushanbe Mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev met with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), here on October 12.
Shavkat Saidov, a spokesman for the Dushanbe mayor’s office, said that the sides had discussed cooperation between the Dushanbe mayor’s office and the AKDN, including the process of implementation of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel project. During the meeting it was noted that this world-class hotel will be finished in May 2010.
“In the course of the talks, the high guest noted that he supports the mayor’s proposal on construction of a modern high school in Dushanbe and charged the AKDN Tajikistan with providing assistance with designing and constructing the school,” Saidov said.
http://www.asiaplus.tj/en/news/16/57946.html – Earlier related
Gallery: Inauguration of Khorog City Park October 13, 2009
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Ismaili Center Dushanbe: The bridge between East and West October 12, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Architecture, Asia, Jamat Khana, Tajikistan.2 comments
Built with three million bricks, this new religious space cost about $ 22 million
This center is the first in Central Asia and one of the world's largest
Caption translated via Google, original source in Portuguese
http://aeiou.expresso.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=ex.stories/541017
Related: theIsmaili.org
Flickr: Ismaili Center Dushanbe October 12, 2009
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Asia-Plus: Tajik president, Aga Khan inaugurate The Ismaili Center in Dushanbe October 12, 2009
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Author: Payrav Chorshanbiyev
DUSHANBE, October 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon and His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, officially opened The Ismaili Center in Dushanbe today afternoon.
The opening ceremony was attended by high-ranking Tajik state officials.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Rahmon expressed hope that the Center would promote further mutually beneficial cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKD).
President Emomali Rahmon and Aga Khan express interest in further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and AKDN October 12, 2009
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Author: Avaz Yuldoshev
DUSHANBE, October 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — On Sunday October 11, President Emomali Rahmon met here with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, according to presidential press service.
In the course of the talks, the sides discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His Highness the Aga Khan informed President Rahmon of his visit to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (Gorno Badakhshan or GBAO) and expressed satisfaction with the process of implementation of the AKDN-supported projects in Tajikistan.
Both sides expressed interest in further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and AKDN.
Asia-Plus: Dushanbe mayor, Aga Khan to discuss process of construction of Serena Hotel in Dushanbe October 12, 2009
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Author: Avaz Yuldoshev
DUSHANBE, October 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — Dushanbe Mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev is meeting with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), here today morning.
According to press service of the Dushanbe mayor’s office, the sides will discuss cooperation between the Dushanbe mayor’s office and AKDN, including the Dushanbe Serena Hotel project issues.
Mayor Ubaidulloyev and his Highness the Aga Khan are also expected to discuss a number of other projects that are planned to be implemented in the Tajik capital under financial support of the AKDN.
Remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of Khorog City Park Tajikistan October 11, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Aga Khan IV, Asia, Interviews and Speeches, Tajikistan, Trust for Culture.Tags: Khorog Park
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Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
Your Excellency, First Deputy Prime Minister, Asadullo Gulomov
Your Excellency, Chairman of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, Qodiri Qosim
Your Excellency, Governor of Afghan Badakhshan, Alhaj Bazmuhammad Ahmadi
Distinguished Guests
Today’s inaugural ceremony marks the culmination of a wonderful process – stretching back over more than a decade.
I am honored and humbled to remember that the site where we meet today was graciously presented to me by the then Chairman on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of my Imamat. Then, some five years ago, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture began a rich and productive conversation about this site with the people of Khorog. We talked about how we might create a new and upgraded park in this place – what it would try to do – how it might be used – and what it should ideally look like.
Those conversations quickly fixed on one central goal: to offer all those who would enter here a place for personal reflection, for genuine relaxation, and for deep renewal. Our objective from the start was to ensure that this would always be a tranquil green space – serving all of the people who live in Khorog – and all of those who visit this city.
AKDN Press Release: An Urban Park Is Inaugurated in Khorog, Tajikistan October 11, 2009
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Khorog, Tajikistan, 10 October 2009 – Tajik Government dignitaries and officials from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) today inaugurated a US$ 4 million urban park in Khorog, the main city of Tajikistan’s mountainous Gorno-Badakshan Automomous Oblast (GBAO), which is situated on the border with Afghanistan.
The park was officially opened by Tajikistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Gulomov in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
- His Highness the Aga Khan, the First Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Gulomov, and the Governor of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, Qodiri Qosim, inaugurate park in Gorno-Badakhshan
- Park as catalyst for development in Tajikistan
- New green space as part of Aga Khan Development Network activities in region
More …
Remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Inauguration of Khorog City Park and Photo Gallery
Khorog Park Inauguration October 11, 2009
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October 10, 2009 – Tajikistan — A newly revitalized Khorog Park was inaugurated on 10 October 2009 by First Deputy Prime Minister Asadullo Gulomov of the Republic of Tajikistan, in the presence of Mawlana Hazar Imam. The Park is a significant new green space that will serve the residents of the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region in Tajikistan.
Asia-Plus: Aga Khan arrives in Tajikistan October 10, 2009
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Author: Avaz Yuldoshev
DUSHANBE, October 10, 2009, Asia-Plus — His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Tajikistan Friday evening for a three-day visit.
Davlat Nazriyev, the head of the MFA information department, told Asia-Plus that today, His Highness the Aga Khan would visit Khorog. On October 11, the Aga Khan will take part at a ceremony of inauguration of The Ismaili Center in Dushanbe.
His Highness the Aga Khan is also scheduled to hold talks with President Emomali Rahmon and a number of other high-ranking Tajik state officials to discuss cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The visit of His Highness the Aga Khan to Tajikistan will conclude on October 12.
CA-News: Prince Aga Khan IV on visit to Tajikistan October 9, 2009
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9 October 2009, 18:12
CA-NEWS (TJ) – Prince Aga Khan IV has started his four-day visit to Tajikistan on Friday, the Tajik Foreign Ministry said.
Prince Aga Khan IV is expected to meet Tajik Foreign Minister Zarifi, and other government officials. He will visit Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, where he will meet with local government officials.
He will also attend the official opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Foundation Cultural Center in Dushanbe.
Aga Khan to arrive in Tajikistan to open the Ismaili Center in Dushanbe October 9, 2009
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October 1, 2009 – Author: Avaz Yuldoshev
DUSHANBE, October 1, 2009, Asia-Plus — His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, will pay a visit to Tajikistan on October 9-12, according to the MFA information department.
During his stay in Dushanbe, His Highness the Ag Khan will take part at a ceremony of inauguration of The Ismaili Center here.
His Highness the Aga Khan is also scheduled to hold talks with President Emomali Rahmon and a number of other high-ranking Tajik state officials to discuss cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The Aga Khan will also visit Khorog, the administrative center of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO or Gorno Badakhshan).
We will recall that that the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the Ismaili Center in Dushanbe was held on August 30, 2003. The foundation stone of The Ismaili Center, Dushanbe was laid by Tajiki President Emomali Rahmon.
Pakistan Observer: Aga Khan due on October 12 October 7, 2009
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Dushanbe Ismaili Center Photos October 4, 2009
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Original source: WorldIsmailis Yahoogroup
Tajikistan: Solar power mitigates energy, environment woes October 2, 2009
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The power lines strung above the dusty lanes of Alichur are nothing more than a painful reminder of simpler times. In the 18 years since the Soviet Union collapsed, the town has not seen one watt of state-supplied electricity.
–snip–
Of course, in a country as impoverished as Tajikistan, not everyone can afford the investment, despite the long-term savings. To assist the hardest-pressed Tajiks, the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP), a project operated by the Aga Khan Foundation, distributes panels to qualifying recipients, says Baktiyar Azizmamadov, the MSDSP regional manager in Khorog.
Solar, he notes, is a green alternative in more than one way.
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insightb/articles/eav100109.shtml
Foundation for Endangered Languages September 18, 2009
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This year’s conference of the Foundation for Endangered Languages will take place in the High Pamirs, at Khorog in Tajikistan, on 24-26 September 2009.
The conference will discuss the contribution of Endangered Languages to History and how the study of history can encourage the preservation and promote the revitalisation of endangered languages.
Tajikistan itself, although a small and remote country with a population of 7 million, is home to nine languages, most of them in the mountainous south, the Pamirs.
The conference will be held in collaboration with:
* The Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan,
* The Institute of Humanities, Khorog, Tajikistan
* The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London.
Complete at the source: http://blogs.usyd.edu.au
More details http://www.ogmios.org/conference09/
