House-Museum of Muboraki Wakhani

In a small village of Yamg, amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Wakhan Corridor, lies the House-Museum of Muboraki Wakhani. This fascinating museum offers a rare window into the life and genius of one of the Pamir’s most illustrious figures. Born in 1842 and residing in Yamg until his death in 1902, Muboraki Wakhani achieved remarkable feats in science, philosophy, invention, and poetry despite being isolated from the broader scientific community.

Often likened to Leonardo da Vinci due to his diverse talents and self-driven innovations, Wakhani’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the region. The house-museum dedicated to him is not just a repository of his works but also a testament to the traditional Pamirian way of life.

Visitors to the House-Museum of Muboraki Wakhani are greeted with an array of exhibits that showcase his inventive prowess and deep intellectual curiosity. The museum preserves the interior of his home, providing a rare glimpse into the lifestyle and cultural practices of the Pamirians over the centuries. Among the exhibits are various artifacts imbued with cultural and sacramental significance, as well as everyday items and musical instruments crafted by Wakhani himself.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the museum is the stone astronomical calendar that Muboraki Wakhani devised. Scattered around the surrounding mountains, these stone markers reveal Wakhani’s remarkable understanding of celestial movements. A notable example is a stone with a hole situated near the museum. Similar stone «windows» can be found on the nearby mountain slopes, through which sunlight or starlight aligns perfectly on specific days of the year. This ingenious setup allowed Wakhani to determine the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, among other astronomical events.

For anyone traveling along the Pamir Highway, a visit to the House-Museum of Muboraki Wakhani is an essential stop. It offers an authentic and vivid portrayal of Pamirian village life and a deeper understanding of the local culture, beliefs, and traditions. The museum not only celebrates Wakhani’s extraordinary achievements but also provides a meaningful connection to the past, immersing visitors in the rich heritage of the Pamir region.

One of the key highlights is the chillakhona, a small stone house in the courtyard where Muborak would pray and meditate for 40 days and nights, purifying his mind.

The solar calendar consists of four stone markers aligned in a row, each placed at varying distances from one another toward the sun. The first stone, with a small hole, is called the sunstone and is located in the courtyard of the house.

«As Navruz approaches at sunset, we (the local people) kneel before the Oftobbin stone and look at the sun through its hole. Through the opening, we can see the second stone, shaped like a window, called Amalhona, situated on the hill. Through the window of this stone, we view the third stone, the Gate, and the fourth, Forty Stones, located 200 meters away. When the sun crosses the direct line of Oftobbin, Amalhona, Darvaza, and Chilasang, it marks the exact day of the spring equinox (March 21), signaling the arrival of Navruz.»

Buddhism has also left its mark along the Great Silk Road. The Buddhist stupa (from the 4th–7th century) and the man-made monk caves near the village of Vrang are noteworthy. Like the ancient fortresses, this spot is ideal for watching the sunset.