Bokhtar

Until 2018, the city now known as Bokhtar (literally means Baktria) was called Kurghan-Tyube, a name derived from the Tajik language meaning «grave hill.» Situated in the upper reaches of the valley, this city lies at the heart of a fertile oasis with a rich history dating back to the early centuries AD when it was part of the powerful Kushan Empire. Even then, it was a prominent settlement, renowned for minting its own coins. The inhabitants were celebrated for their skill in archery and livestock farming. During the medieval period, the region now known as Bokhtar was referred to as Khuttal, with the city itself known as Levakend or Vakhsh. The area was famous for its exceptional archers and a distinctive breed of sheep.

In medieval times, the oasis came under Arab control. During the Mongol invasions, it was devastated, leading to a long period of stagnation with the city’s revival only beginning after 300 years. Today, Bokhtar is situated in the Vakhsh Valley, about 100 kilometers from the capital city of Dushanbe. It serves as the administrative center of the Khatlon Province. According to the 2015 census, the city has a population of nearly 103,000, with a significant Uzbek community.

Local folklore provides an interesting explanation for the city’s name. According to legend, a ruler once decreed that all travelers passing through the area should bring a tubeteika (traditional cap) filled with soil. This led to the creation of a man-made mound where a watchtower was eventually built. The legend may have some basis in reality, as a burial mound, or «kurgan,» indeed exists in the city center. In fact, the Turkish word «tyube» means «hill.»

Bokhtar today presents itself as a typical provincial city of Eastern Tajikistan. While traditions continue to play a significant role in local life, modern influences are also evident. The city blends traditional architecture with Soviet-era buildings, and now boasts contemporary hotels and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a range of national and international cuisines in comfortable settings.

As the third largest city in the republic and the center of the Khatlon Province, Bokhtar is home to several major industrial enterprises, universities, colleges, and lyceums. The city also has a nearby airport and a recently established railway station. For those interested in history, the Regional Historical Museum offers a deep dive into the area’s past with a collection of around 700 exhibits. Highlights of the museum include the dioramas «Teppai Kurgon» and «Rastai Kosibon,» which vividly illustrate the historical Vakhsh Valley’s transformation from a barren, sun-scorched land to a thriving, modern landscape. The museum also showcases traditional Tajik crafts, including embroidery («suzani»), ceramics, and wooden and metalwork.

Near Bokhtar, along the Vakhsh River, lie the fascinating ruins of the Lagman settlement, which dates from the 10th to 13th centuries. Archaeologists have uncovered ancient pipes, brick-lined wells, and fortress walls with towers. This city was a significant urban center in ancient Bactria, covering a substantial area of 43 hectares by the standards of its time.

Just 12 kilometers east of Bokhtar is the Ajina-Teppe hill, home to the remnants of a Buddhist monastery from the 7th to 8th centuries. Here, visitors can explore the remains of shrines, cells, stupas, sculptures, and wall paintings, including a 12-meter-long reclining Buddha figure.