Ismail Samani park

The statue of Ismail Samani stands prominently in Somoni Park on the northern bank of the Syr Darya River. The park features fountains and wide staircases that lead from the lower levels up to the statue. Flanking the monument are two bronze lions, which may seem unusual in a Central Asian setting, yet during Ismail’s reign in the 10th century, the Asiatic lion roamed these very mountains. At the base of the statue, a bronze band displays reliefs depicting scenes from the Samanid Empire.

The statue portrays Ismail Samani in royal attire, holding a crown and a scepter shaped like the sun in his right hand. The crown closely resembles the one seen on the national emblem and flag of Tajikistan. Ismail was the most renowned leader of the Samanid Empire, which ruled Transoxiana and Khorasan between 819 and 999 AD. Initially, the empire was divided among four brothers, but it was Ismail who united the Samanid state. He secured independence from the Abbasid Caliphate and was a major patron of art, science, and literature. Under his reign, Bukhara, in modern-day Uzbekistan, became one of the most significant cities in Central and South Asia.

After Ismail’s death in 907, his son succeeded him. Tajikistan’s currency, the somoni, is named in his honor, and his image is featured on the 100 somoni banknote.

Before 2011, the tallest statue in this park was a 12-meter-high monument to Lenin. However, this statue was relocated to nearby Victory Park, and Ismail Samani’s statue now stands in its place.

Visitors to Somoni Park can easily extend their trip by walking a few minutes north to the Khujand Stella, or southward to the city beach, both within short walking distance from the statue.