Local traditions and culture in Tajikistan

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It is difficult to write about local customs of a country which is more a mishmash of several different ethnic groups. But the most important local custom is the friendliness and hospitality of the people. Foreigners are still a quite “rare” sight in Tajikistan and the Pamir region, at least compared to the typical tourist destinations in Europe, Asia and Americas. So it is quite normal that foreigners are welcomed all and everywhere. But it is also a deep-rooted tradition to treat them/us as guests with the highest respect. You’ll be invited for tea so often or people start talking to you in the streets, often in excellent English. Do not reject this – but answer all their countless questions, it is a lot of fun and changes own perceptions quite quickly. Even if they only speak their local language or Russian, sign language is easy, too.

Most of the people are Muslims, so try to repect their way of living by remembering some important behavioural rules. I found a good website with the most common ones: a clear guide to Islam and it mentions the following:
· never eat with your left hand, use only the righ hand (the left is used for washing and cleaning); shake hands only with people of same gender;
· don’t kiss or hug in the public;
· take off your shoes when entering a house – or ask in case of doubt;

The most beautiful gesture in all the 3 Central Asia countries I visited last summer was the one for saying thank you: put your right hand on your heart and slightly bow your head.

What I found most interesting and a local custom indeed is the existence of separate booths in restaurants – you can dine in privacy and draw the curtain.