Kamol Khujandi Park

Khujand boasts numerous landmarks named after the renowned Tajik and Persian poet, Kamol Khujandi, whose works were primarily written in Persian. The city honors him with two monuments, a street, a theater, and a new memorial park along the banks of the Syr Darya River. It’s no surprise that Khujand is so closely tied to Khujandi’s name—despite spending much of his life and being buried in Tabriz, Iran, he was born in Khujand. His literary pseudonym, «Khujandi,» reflects the connection to his birthplace. In August 2020, the city celebrated the 700th anniversary of Kamol Khujandi.

The Khodja Kamol Khujandi Park, opened in 2014, is located in a picturesque area between the Syr Darya River and the ancient Khujand Fortress, the very place where the poet was born. Although Khujandi spent most of his life in Iran, Tajikistan regards him as a national classic, with much of his poetry expressing the sorrow of being separated from his homeland. A symbolic mausoleum has been erected here to honor the poet’s memory.

Even though Khujandi’s actual resting place is not in Tajikistan, a symbolic tomb was built in his homeland. Soil from his burial site in Iran was brought to the Sughd region to consecrate this memorial. In the park, a new bronze statue of the poet stands proudly atop a tall pedestal, his majestic figure reaching toward the sky.

Nearby, the site of Kamol Khujandi’s former home now houses a museum where visitors can glimpse how Tajiks lived during the poet’s era. The museum even offers a chance to bake bread following traditional medieval recipes. During holidays, the museum hosts theatrical performances that recreate daily life in the settlement, complete with scenes from a madrasa school and demonstrations of the various crafts of the time.

The park itself is lush and shaded, with well-maintained paths, flower beds, and abundant wild greenery. There are fountains, ornate bridges over irrigation channels, benches for rest, souvenir kiosks, cafes, and city sculptures. In 2019, the lower station of a cable car line was opened in the park, providing transport to the opposite bank of the Syr Darya. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountain hills and the riverbank. The view extends to the right bank of the city and the Mogol-Tau Mountain. On the opposite side of the park lies the ancient city wall, a testament to Khujand’s rich history.