The cultural diversity
As different as its lofty mountains is Tajikistan. A nation situated along one of the many Silk Road routes would undoubtedly be quite diversified given all the visitors who have gone through and even resided there throughout time. And it is one of the many reasons to visit Tajikistan.
The ethnic Kyrgyz still live as nomads in the eastern portion of the GBAO territory, and the Wakhi people, who practice Ismailism and speak Wakhi, live in the Wakhan Valley. People who identify as Pamiris can be seen in Khorog; they speak a language that is related to Tajik but clearly separate from it. Ethnic Tajiks from the west of the country can be seen riding horses in the earthquake-stricken Bartang Valley.
On the southern slopes of the Zeravshan Range, in the Yagnob Valley, you can travel back in time. Despite their sad past, the Yagnobis still speak their original language, and some of them have even started to live more like their ancient Sogdian predecessors did. In this region, there are about 10 communities that speak old languages and follow pre-Islamic beliefs.
Along with Chinese migrant laborers, people of Russian heritage who have lived in Tajikistan since the Soviet era also call it home. It is the most culturally diverse of the former Central Asian Soviet Republics, despite being the smallest. Additionally, there is a sizable Tajik population abroad, particularly in Afghanistan and Russia.
