‘Tajikistan – it is a land full of treasures, but its main wealth lies in its children, its nobility and its culture.’ Inscribed on one of the impressive decorated ceilings of the Kohi Nowruz in Dushanbe, President Emomali Rahmon‘s words comment on the decorative splendour.

The finesse of Tajik craftsmanship cannot fail to move the viewer. Paintings on plaster and wood carvings are displayed in the building’s 12 reception rooms. A colossal construction project completed in just four years, the Nowruz Palace has stood 50 metres tall since 2014, celebrating Tajik culture. It follows in the footsteps of the colossal architectural projects launched by the former Soviet leader, who has jealously guarded his power since 1997. A 40,000-square-metre architectural complex, the palace was initially designed to be a tea room in a modern national style. It was enlarged to become the building that now houses restaurants, billiards, bowling, cinema, and more.

The sheer size of the venue makes it a prime location for receptions. It hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit when it opened. A showcase for national culture, the Nowruz Palace easily outshines the Rohat tea house a few streets away. A historic site of Tajik culture and a symbol of its capital, the teahouse had also been a gathering place for Tajik artisans since its opening in 1958. Built under the direction of Soviet architect K.N. Terletsky, this popular venue frequented by local residents was demolished in the spring of 2025. Despite protests from residents, high green hoardings covered the building before it was demolished. Perhaps there is only room for one national symbol. 

Credits : Mathieu Lemoine (France)

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Tajik men enjoy a meal at Chaihona Rohat, an iconic teahouse on Dushanbe‘s Rudaki Avenue. A Soviet-era rendition of a traditional Tajik design, Rohat was saved from demolition in 2015 by a public campaign (which sadly did not prevent the destruction of other architectural monuments, such as the central post office, Russian Drama Theater, and Jomi Cinema, to make way for high-rise buildings). However, the building will be demolished in the near future, announced Nizom Mirzozoda, head of the Architecture and Construction Committee recently, in favor of modern buildings. Here locals continue to gather over Tajik milk tea, as they have for decades.

Credits : Hannah McMillen (@the_crease_in_the_atlas, United States)

Find all of our photos of the day. You can buy some of these and receive them at home: here is the list! If you can't find your picture in the list, mail us to photo@novastan.org.

The post Chaihona Rohat appeared first on Novastan English.