In the southern part of Dushanbe, at the intersection of Rudaki Avenue and S. Aini Street, lies the Sadriddin Aini Square. As one of the main squares of the capital, this significant location marks the starting point of the city’s central thoroughfare, Rudaki Avenue, and is home to the Republican Institute of Arts.
Sadriddin Aini, a towering figure in Tajik history, was the first president of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and was rightfully honored as a Hero of Tajikistan. He laid the foundation for the development of traditional Tajik literature, making a profound contribution to the cultural evolution of the country. Aini was not only fluent in his native language but also had a deep command of Uzbek, with many of his works written bilingually. Beyond his literary achievements, Aini was also a dedicated scientist, social activist, and educator.
In 1978, to commemorate the centennial of Aini’s birth, a monument was erected on the square, ensuring that his legacy would be remembered forever. The design and construction of this monument were undertaken by sculptor Eldarov and architects Agarnov and Karimov. Together, they created a unique complex that has become a cultural treasure of the city. The centerpiece of the ensemble is an 11-meter-tall statue of Sadriddin Aini, surrounded by numerous characters from his literary works. This monument has become a symbol of the square, and without it, the area would lose its identity. It is impossible to imagine the square in any other way.
Within walking distance from the square are the city’s Historical and Regional Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, making it a culturally rich area for both residents and visitors to explore.
