Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, lies in the Hissar Valley in the southern part of the country. With a rich history dating back to 3000 years, Dushanbe was once a small village until the early 20th century. The Soviet Union transformed it into the city it is today, with wide avenues and imposing, neoclassical public buildings. Modern Dushanbe is a hub of Tajik culture, featuring museums like the National Museum of Tajikistan, which houses artifacts from the country's rich history, and the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities, where the famous Buddha in Nirvana is displayed. The city is noted for its bazaars, including the massive Korvon Market, and parks as well as tea houses which are a central aspect of Tajik social life. Hissar Fortress, located about 30 km west of Dushanbe, is a historical site dating from the 15th century, which has been a residence for Bukharan Emirs. Dushanbe experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, with heavy snowfall and also experiences frequent earthquakes due to its proximity to seismic fault lines.
