By the two great rivers of Central Asia, the Oxus and the Jaxartes, Tajikistan can boast not only of breathtaking mountain scenery, but also of 3,000 years of history. The land where Alexander the Great fought desperately against the Scythian nomads, his most formidable adversaries, Tajikistan is an ancient cradle of Persian culture. Originally, it was the home of the Sogdians, the famous trading peoples of the Silk Road; eventually this country was at the heart of the 19th century 'Great Game', a place of contention for the adventurers and spies of Britain and Imperial Russia. Now recovering from the misfortunes of the 20th century - the travails of Soviet rule and several years of civil war - it is able to offer visitors not only its legacies of cultural and ethnic diversity, but also unparalleled opportunities for adventure.This book provides vital insight into a crucially positioned nation. It covers Dushanbe, Central Asia's friendliest capital city and mountaineering and trekking on the roof of the world. It is the first dedicated guide to Tajikistan. It describes the explorers and travellers of the ancient Silk Road, and culture, music and ethnic traditions. It includes essays on wildlife, botany, geology and archaeology, including a contribution by Dr George Schaller. It is published to appeal to the armchair traveller as well as the intrepid visitor. It features outstanding cartography.
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About the Author
Robert Middleton worked for the Aga Khan Foundation as Legal Adviser and Co-ordinator of Tajikistan programmes from 1985 until his retirement in 2003. He currently assists local and international non-profit organizations to promote tourism in the region. He lives in Switzerland. Huw Thomas became Program Director of the Aga Khan Health Service, Tajikistan from 1999 to 2003 after he retired as Chief Executive of Gwynedd Health Authority in North Wales. He has returned frequently to Tajikistan from his home in Anglesey, Wales.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By CA ALEXANDER
I have really enjoyed other Odyssey Guidebooks on Central Asia, appreciating the depth they go into. However, you can get too much of a good thing - in this case at least 200 pages worth. This book is definitely for your coffee-table and not your back-pack. I live in Tajikistan and appreciated the reams of background information. However, if you're simply travelling through, The Lonely Planet Guidebook will serve you well enough.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Paula
This is not a book to carry with you in your backpack as it is too heavy, but it is essential reading before you leave. Crammed full of history and information on every aspect of life and the way things are in Tajikistan it gives travellers the facts they need to prepare for the journey. It is the only useful guide book I have found for this country and it added to my enjoyment of the trip.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
With very little else available on this fascinating country it is a relief that such an excellent book as this is for sale to travellers.
Tajikistan warrants a detailed account of both its history and its cultural background. It is a country of strategic importance and is still quite a curious place to many - the photography and quality of print surely make up for the little extra weight.
This is a large book, and perhaps is a little heavy to carry about, but given that travelling to Tajikistan is still considered to be quite adventurous by most it makes sense to do some research before one sets off.
I would say that this title is perfect for the armchair traveller AND the actual tourist. Central Asia is one of the last places on earth to not have a developed mass market tourism system in place, thank goodness that there is well researched guides such as this one, or else travel to Tajikistan would be very tricky indeed.
To the above poster, while I am sure the locally produced book you mention is excellent, it is unlikely that someone would leave their home country and travel to Tajikistan having done no research on their journey and the country...
To sum up: a good value and high quality guide with plenty of history, photography and culture.
Tajikistan warrants a detailed account of both its history and its cultural background. It is a country of strategic importance and is still quite a curious place to many - the photography and quality of print surely make up for the little extra weight.
This is a large book, and perhaps is a little heavy to carry about, but given that travelling to Tajikistan is still considered to be quite adventurous by most it makes sense to do some research before one sets off.
I would say that this title is perfect for the armchair traveller AND the actual tourist. Central Asia is one of the last places on earth to not have a developed mass market tourism system in place, thank goodness that there is well researched guides such as this one, or else travel to Tajikistan would be very tricky indeed.
To the above poster, while I am sure the locally produced book you mention is excellent, it is unlikely that someone would leave their home country and travel to Tajikistan having done no research on their journey and the country...
To sum up: a good value and high quality guide with plenty of history, photography and culture.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
'one of the last undiscovered tourist destinations'
A hefty 700 page book (so not for backpackers) this is a beautiful introduction to a remote part of the world. Read more
Published 13 months ago by sally tarbox
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Tajikistan Compendium
It is a very complete view of Tajikistan in all its facets. The range of contributors is wide and they are all experts in their field. Huw and Robert are to be congratulated.
Published on 26 Aug 2009 by Mr. S. J. Hawkins
1.0 out of 5 stars
tajikistan
This book is a disaster. The normal traveller gets a travel guide in the U.K.to get information on a country he is to visit then packs in his suitcase or rucksack for referance... Read more
Published on 12 July 2008 by G. I. Forbes
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